Integrated Being

The journey is as important as the destination. As a culture, we value future achievements and external accomplishments over the process of being and becoming. This emphasis can lead to a disintegrated way of life that leaves us feeling empty, isolated, and alone. If you're feeling a sense of restlessness and discontentment in life, now is a good time to examine the impact that self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience can have on your perspective. In today's podcast episode of Integrated Being, I have a special guest walking alongside me to share how true fulfillment comes from focusing on the present moment and embracing the journey of becoming rather than fixating on external milestones.

In this conversation, we delve into the principles of longevity as outlined in the book 'The Blue Zones.' They discuss the importance of lifestyle habits, the role of the senses in eating, and the significance of community and mindful eating in promoting health and well-being.

Remember: Your nervous system is not a machine. Welcome back to Integrated Being, where we explore the intersection of leadership, life, and living well—mind, body, and spirit. This month, I want to gently, but honestly, remind you: your nervous system is not a machine. We often talk about leadership from a cerebral space—strategy, performance, decisions. But leadership is also felt. It's in how we show up when the room is tense, speak when we're exhausted, and breathe when everything feels too much. If you've ever found yourself checking the boxes, constantly producing, and dismissing the signals of your own body just to keep going—this one's for you. What we often label as “high functioning” is, in many cases, just “over-functioning.” And it's costing us—physically, emotionally, and energetically. In today's podcast episode of Integrated Being, I share practical tools for self-regulation and highlight the significance of community & connection in fostering overall well-being. Plus, I share my best book recommendations for those who want to dive deeper into this space.

In this conversation, we explore the themes of healthy eating for families, particularly focusing on the concept of 'eating the rainbow.' They discuss the nutritional benefits of colorful foods, the importance of family meals, and how language influences children's perceptions of food. The conversation also touches on traditional knowledge, the role of storytelling in nutrition, and practical tips for engaging selective eaters in healthy food choices.

In this episode of the Integrated Being podcast, Elizabeth Cook explores the themes of intentional living, joy, and leadership, particularly in the context of parenting. She shares personal stories and insights on how to navigate the chaos of life while staying grounded and centered. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, mindfulness, and the power of journaling as tools for personal growth and emotional intelligence. Elizabeth encourages listeners to lead with love and intention, both in their personal lives and in their roles as parents and leaders.

In this conversation, Elizabeth Cook and Keith Somers explore the themes of nutrition, holistic health, and mindful eating, drawing insights from T. Colin Campbell's book Whole. They discuss the importance of understanding food as a whole rather than in isolated parts, the challenges of maintaining healthy eating habits, and the role of family and community in shaping food choices. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness in eating, the significance of listening to oneself and others, and the value of sustainable nutrition practices.

In this engaging conversation, Elizabeth Cook and Keith Somers explore the significance of family meals, the importance of mindful eating, and the challenges posed by ultra-processed foods. They discuss practical tips for meal planning, the emotional connections tied to food, and the need for intentionality in nutrition. The dialogue emphasizes the value of generational wisdom and the impact of the microbiome on health, ultimately advocating for a return to the basics of eating and thriving as human beings.

Illuminating Being is a podcast co-hosted by Keith Somers, M.D., a practicing pediatrician and advocate for plant-based nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and Elizabeth Cook, Ph.D., a published author, mom, business owner, and executive coach. The podcast delves into the interconnectedness of food, mindfulness, and community, offering actionable steps to help listeners create intentional, sustainable, and vibrant lives. Through engaging conversations and expert insights, 'Illuminating Being' empowers listeners to explore holistic wellness and make choices that align with their values.

What is in your control? We all grow up believing in specific systems and institutions. As I navigate raising teenage children while caring for aging parents, I'm struck with the reality of our current culture's changes. From resilience and transformation to the pursuit of joy amidst uncertainty, in this episode of Integrated Being I draw on insights from Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic and Sahil Bloom's framework on wealth in 5 Types of Wealth to share five practical tips for navigating uncertainty while finding joy in everyday moments.

In this conversation, Elizabeth Cook and Dr. Keith Somers explore the differences between processed and whole foods, discussing how these choices impact our bodies, energy levels, and gut health. They emphasize the importance of understanding nutrition and making small, manageable changes towards heaIn this conversation, Elizabeth Cook and Dr. Keith Somers explore the differences between processed and whole foods, discussing how these choices affect our bodies, energy levels, and gut health. They emphasize the importance of understanding nutrition and making small, manageable changes towards healthier eating habits. The discussion also highlights the cultural significance of food and the need for a more mindful approach to our dietary choices.

In an increasingly chaotic world, one thing has become clear: trust is in short supply. Whether in industries like energy, technology, or even our personal lives, distrust has created roadblocks to progress, innovation, and meaningful connections. But amidst the noise and uncertainty, there is hope—and it lies in rediscovering creativity, fostering trust, and finding purpose. In today's podcast and blog post, we will explore how to reclaim creativity through trust and navigating the chaos of daily life.

In this conversation, Elizabeth and Keith explore the journey of healthy living and eating, emphasizing the importance of making food choices relatable and accessible. They discuss the role of parents in shaping children's food habits, touch on the principles behind food and nutrition, and the significance of family meals and community rituals. The dialogue highlights the transformative power of food, the sensory experience of eating, and the need for exploration and curiosity in food choices. Ultimately, they hope to encourage listeners to embrace the journey of nutrition and make small, impactful changes in their eating habits.

Elizabeth Cook and Dr. Keith Somers explore the interconnectedness of health, nutrition, and community support in this conversation. They discuss the value of continuous learning in the medical field, the role of education in nutrition, and the impact of dietary choices on overall health. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to wellness, the significance of community in health journeys, and the importance of personal experiences in shaping dietary habits. They also touch on the challenges of behavior change and the necessity of understanding the systems within which we live to drive meaningful change.

As the New Year unfolds, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and setting intentions for the future. But have you ever paused to explore the philosophy behind those intentions? Philosophy isn't just for scholars; it's about the love of wisdom and how we integrate that wisdom into our daily lives. At Integrated Being, we focus on unlocking joy and creating purposeful connections between the mind, body, and spirit. Today, let's dive into what it means to embrace philosophy as a way of life.

As the end of the year approaches, we find ourselves in a whirlwind of emotions, activities… & let's be honest, a little overconsumption. It's a time of reflection, celebration, and connection, but it can also be an overwhelming season. This year, I'm leaning into simplifying and reconnecting with what truly matters—joy, intentionality, and presence. This week on the Integrated Being Podcast, my co-host Brianna and I discuss tips for ending the year with joy, connection, & reflection. Regardless of your current state of overwhelm, this episode will give you actionable steps and helpful little reminders to savor the moment and bring more peace to your holiday season.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel disconnected. As we rush from one task to the next, we often lose sight of the importance of meaningful connections. Community and tradition—two fundamental aspects of human experience—are powerful tools that not only ground us but also enrich our lives with purpose and joy. This week on the Integrated Being Podcast, my co-host Brianna and I explored how community and tradition shape our well-being. Whether you're navigating the complexities of adulthood, building a family, or rediscovering yourself after major life transitions, the bonds we create and the rituals we uphold play a vital role in finding balance and fulfillment.

The only thing we truly have & own are our words. I've recently grown in my understanding and appreciation for embracing the gravitas of the gift this platform has been in my life to share wisdom from my own life experiences and cultivate a growth-minded community. The ability to share information is more readily accessible in this digital age and with this ability comes a great responsibility to understand the evolution of language and its powerful potential to connect us. While I share the essence of living a life grounded in love, connection, and mindful intention, it's important to note that sometimes our words can fail to capture the full scope of meaning we're trying to convey. This is especially true when it comes to complex subject matter such as love, truth, and spirituality. Today on the blog & podcast, we are going to dive into the evolution of language and explore 5 ways mindful speech can enhance our communication and connection. 

“Transitions are not just about doing more. They're about doing what matters." As we transition from summer into fall, it's easy to get overwhelmed and lose the true sense of joy in who we are with endless to-do lists and jam-packed schedules of activities. Transitional seasons are an opportunity to learn how to show up for ourselves from a space of awareness where you fill yourself up with intentionality and spill over onto others with a greater energy vibe such as love. When we honor all parts of who we are, we create a safe space for those around us to learn how to peacefully and harmoniously evolve through life's constant changes in a way that has a lasting positive impact on the community and society around us. Today on the blog & podcast, let's dive deeper into 3 truths for honoring all parts of who you are during seasonal transitions and changes.

“The realization of success comes from within.” After we achieve the basic necessities according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, I have found the universal desire to connect to a higher power and spiritual realm. A quest for success is often inexplicably wrapped up in a grappling with questions about what it means to achieve. Success is deeply personal and varies from one individual to another, and I don't believe we speak of this concept enough. In today's blog & podcast, let's dive into the innate desire we have for achieving success and seeking rest while hopefully finding a sense of contentment and joy along the way. 

“Journaling can be the game changer.” Journaling is a powerful tool for gaining clarity in life. From the importance of self-awareness to stress reduction and problem-solving, journaling can enhance our creativity and improve memory while bringing clarity to our lives in new ways. I realize I come from a place of abundance and seek to share my perspective on the benefits journaling has brought to my life, even if that perspective is imperfect. Today on the blog & podcast, let's explore how journaling can bring clarity to our lives and aid in processing our emotions.

"A big part of finding your joy is truly identifying what you want in life." Integrated Being is a space where I share about finding your joy & the habits that you can use to create an intentional life. Whether it's the value of setting goals, choosing the right resources, or scheduling time in your day to learn, we dive into ways of applying knowledge and reflecting and adjusting along the way. The power of continuous learning is an integral habit & its power is found in fostering personal growth and setting yourself up for success. In today's blog & podcast episode, I share my continuous learning journey and 5 ways to embrace continuous learning as a lifestyle.

Did you know there are major health benefits to getting outdoors every day? Whether it's a lush forest, a serene local park, or your garden, nature has a way of calming our minds and restoring our bodies. Some studies show that being in nature can lower your cortisol levels, the stress hormone in the body. If we live with elevated cortisol levels from daily stresses and don't actively find ways to decrease these levels daily, we are contributing to the inflammatory load in our bodies that can lead to various health issues over time. Being in nature doesn't always have to be a bright, sunny day. Simply being exposed to daylight first thing in the morning, even on an overcast day, helps regulate our circadian rhythms to optimize better sleep patterns. Beauty can be found in all types of weather once you commit to getting outside every day. Today on the blog & podcast, let's explore the benefits of nature and how to make it a priority in your everyday life.

The last 6 months have triggered a lot of change for myself and my family. As I've shared these changes with my community, I've been asked a series of similar questions, all wondering how I've managed to stay grounded amidst the changes and find joy and connection throughout the journey. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 8 ways I've fostered joy and found a connection in life, regardless of the changing circumstances. Within 5 days I changed my job and bought a new home because I was able to stay aligned with my values and develop the continual awareness to see when things needed to be changed. The 8 ways listed below will create a lifestyle that aligns yourself with your ambitions and equips you to tackle the challenges that life brings in your path.

Have you ever made this observation? One of my favorite coaches, Gabby Bernstein, commented recently that, “Rejection is protection.” This reminded me of the idea that our yes's and immersed within seas of no's. So often when we see a door close, we find on the other side that it was steering us towards something better. Have you ever made this observation? If you are not uncomfortable, you are not growing. The mindset of rejection is protection enables us to see rejection not as a failure or setback but rather as a form of guidance. Rather than seeing life as winning and losing, we can see it as winning and learning. While still making room for the emotional heaviness that can come from various forms of rejection. Today on the blog & podcast, let's explore this idea of rejection and how to use it as a tool to foster personal growth.

Do you make New Year's resolutions? I've been reflecting upon how it's all connected lately. When you scan all the articles about what successful people do or even what not to do, you start to see similarities across all genres. It all comes down to what you put on, in, and around your body. From mindset to physical health and nourishing your spirit, we can all benefit form gaining awareness of what we can do or change to realign ourselves and feel our best this year. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 3 New Year's resolutions you need to make this year to live your healthiest, most joyful life. 

What's your purpose? As we navigate the end of another year, I want to reflect upon the power of identifying the value of your work, especially around the art of gifting to others. In a world where the value of work is often qualified in monetary terms, it's important to step back and see the value in your broader impact of the creative work you do. It's been a season of change for me and I've been deep diving into where my vision and goals take me while bringing clarity to what motivates me to find and bring joy to those around me. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 4 steps to recognize the value of your work beyond the tangible effects to see the greater impact around you.  Beyond enhancing personal fulfillment, bringing awareness to the value of your work will impact how you engage with others. It can lead to creating a life that blends your work and personal lives in such a way that maximizes your ability to experience and give joy to those around you. 

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls when we least expect them. We make plans and set goals and create dreams and sometimes things don't go as planned. It can be fascinating to realize how quickly things can change, but when doors close the right actions and mindset can open new, beautiful doors.  Today on the blog & podcast, let's explore the art of transitioning and 4 keys to embracing change even when you didn't expect it. 

“We are what we eat” We are what we put in, on, and around our bodies. As we head into the upcoming season full of celebrations full of food and often times sugary sweets, I am reminded of how fall is the perfect time to reassess our health and harness the power of the profound connection between our gut and our mind. The way the food industry has evolved over the last 50 years can make eating a whole foods diet more challenging, so today on the blog and podcast, I'm sharing 4 practical steps to improve your mental health by supporting your gut microbiome this season.

What does trust mean to you? I consistently show up on the blog and podcast to delve into the interconnection between mind, body, & spirit. I share various ways we can tap into our joy and our best selves in order to show up, connect, and live holistically. Across all areas of my life as a mother, wife, and electrical engineer, I have seen the impact and importance of healthy relationships. Relationships bring deeper meaning and fulfillment to our lives. Trust is the invisible thread of relationships that binds us all together, but what do you do when that trust is broken? Sometimes in a society that likes to make things overly complex, we can easily lose the ability to connect with each other in a safe space. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 5 tips for how to rebuild the trust that has been broken. Whether in a personal, familial, or business relationship, these steps will help to bring clarity in moving forward and rebuilding the relationship one step at a time.

“You must have lost connection.”  I was recently in a spin class when the instructor told us that if we feel bored then we must have lost conncection between our bodies and the bike. It struck me that this holds true for other areas of my life as well, especially when my children mention feeling bored. My new response to them in this moment is, “You must have lost connection.” Then I encourage them to find something that interests them and helps bring them back to the present moment and find the connection that may have been lost, whether it's a change in routine or reaching out to connect with a friend. It might seem surprising that we can live such full, fast-paced lives and still find this pervasive boredom and loss of connection prevalent in our lives. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 5 practical tips to overcome boredom and find fullfillmnt in your life. Whether it's boredom at work, feeling stalled in your health goals, or a loss of connection in your personal relationships, let's explore 5 tips to re-engage and find your joy again.

How can managing our energy (rather than our time) help us lead happier lives? The idea of harnessing the power of energy management to unlock your full potential has been a focus of mine recently, especially as we transition into the summer months. In the fast-paced world we live in, it's often been emphasized to shift our focus from time management to energy management as the key to success in recent years. This new perspective in the literature on energy management, rather than old theories of time management, allows us to attain personal growth and productivity as we focus on harnessing and managing our physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 4 action steps for better energy management so that you can find more joy in your life, as well as 3 influential books I've enjoyed reading in this area of personal growth.

How do we embrace the discomfort in our lives? This blog post & podcast episode is really a part 2 from last month's post: 6 Steps To Embrace An Anti-Fragile Mindset. I love getting book recommendations myself as there's so many options out there it can be hard to know which ones to chose. In today's blog and podcast, I'm sharing some of my favorite books I've recently read on how to embrace the discomfort in your life. These books have allowed me to feel like I'm not alone in this current season of discomfort & fueled me to look for & embrace the opportunities for growth and change during this challenging season.

“No mud, no lotus.” Thich Nhat Hanh, zen master and peace activist. I was recently inspired by a collaborative group I was meeting with for my day job in the electric industry. As we were discussing overcoming the challenges and seeing the opportunities within our goal to drive new technologies in the electric industry, one colleague shared this quote from Thich Nhat Hanh. It reminded me of the importance of seeing how suffering and difficulties in our life can lead to growth and transformation. The lotus flower grows from the mud at the bottom of a pond and it is a great symbol of how challenges can be opportunities for personal growth and self improvement. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 6 steps to embrace an anti-fragile mindset in order to better appreciate the beauty and potential within ourselves as we navigate challenges and struggles in our everyday lives.

I was recently asked by a gracious reader how I connect and be present with my children while balancing my career and passion projects. It all started with setting my intentions and creating the reality that I envision for my life. This idea first came from trying to manage my second-born child's toddler tantrums while also parenting an 8-year-old. One of the first books I read at this time was Dr. Daniel Siegel's Whole Brain Child & I credit this book for putting me on a path to the place I am today, where I get to parent my children in a state of joy rather than constant stress. From understanding the neuroscience behind what the brain is doing while developing throughout childhood to adopting a growth mindset and maintaining my sense of humor, I've compiled a list of 5 ways I connect with my kids as they grow into adulthood while maintaining my own identity and sense of joy in my career and life as well.

Did you know that a woman's energy levels can (& should) vary greatly over a 28-day cycle? I've been focusing more heavily on the physical aspect of my health since this past summer & been fascinated by how our energy levels as women are affected by these physical changes. One of these physical changes I've made is to introduce intermittent fasting & I recently read a book by Dr Mindy Pelz titled Fast Like a Girl. In this book, Dr Pelz teaches about how a woman's body changes over the 28-day cycle and how to tap into this for better health. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm going to share my top 3 tips for embracing better hormone health & for increasing your energy levels as as woman.

Do you really write in your journal everyday? What do you write? I was recently asked these questions & I want to answer them for you. The short answer: yes, I journal everyday. No, I don't always write the same thing nor do I just write a recap of my daily life. The idea of journaling and implementing it as a daily practice can be very intimidating. I want to break it down for you, because while I started daily journaling back in 2015, it was really only in the past couple of years that journaling became the main way I process the emotions I experience on a daily basis & continue to develop a growth mindset while finding my joy in everyday moments. Today on the blog & podcast episode, I'm sharing how to start a journaling practice & what to write to optimize your time and energy when beginning this transformative self-care practice.

Have you ever heard of “crowding out” bad habits? I had been trying to kick the habit of eating processed sugar for quite a while & I have finally found success in kicking this bad habit over the past 4 months by using this method of “crowding out” the bad habit. Crowding out the bad habit is accomplished by actually focusing less on eliminating the bad habits & instead shifting your focus to filling your time & life with good habits that won't allow the bad habit to exist anymore. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing more about how to use this “crowding out” method to eliminate bad habits by showing your 4 key areas you can shift to add in those good habits that will crowd out any bad ones.

Do you believe that time discipline = time freedom? As I am wrapping up the final season of 2022, I am doing a seasonal check-in as I do every 3 months to better understand where I am at in my current state of life & how I can better utilize my time and energy to create more moments of joy & bring better focus to my daily, intentional efforts. You may find that you've gotten off track in one area of your life or another & this 2-3 hour seasonal check-in is a great way to better connect with yourself and provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence into a new year or a new phase in life. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 5 steps for a successful seasonal check-in so you can experience more joy in the new year. Set aside a chunk of time on a Sunday afternoon, get cozy, and put on your favorite tunes as you work through these steps below & approach the next 3 months with intention.

Are you becoming the type of person you want to become? When I reflect upon the themes I share on the Integrated Being podcast and blog, I'm always struck by the importance of creating habits around the ability to be present in each moment of the day. I've found that having a reset each day at the end of the day allows me to wake up excited to live the next day. Once you experience that type of energy each morning, your desire for it continues. Our habits are the foundation for building happier, healthier lives, but creating better habits isn't always as simple as it sounds. If you've ever struggled to stick with a new healthy habit or get rid of an old unhealthy one, this episode is for you. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 5 truths I've learned about creating better habits & how you can use these truths in your life, too.

What is self talk & why does it matter? I've read (& re-read) a few books recently linking the power of journaling with how we talk to ourselves. I was reading The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer while sitting next to my 9 year old son while he was being quite negative. While reading this book about the consciousness of our thoughts that speak to us all the time - whether it's telling us we're hungry or cold or should fret - I used this opportunity to teach my son about how the negative energy he was putting off may be affecting him. As you can imagine he got quite frustrated, but this highlighted a deeper importance in why self talk matters and how it affects the way we show up in the world. In today's blog & podcast episode, I am going to highlight 3 ways your self talk creates your own reality. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Have you begun to notice a theme? The daily habits and themes I share on the Integrated Being blog and podcast can really be summed up as the mind, body, and soul… interconnected. From discussing the importance of what we put on, what we put in, and what we have around our bodies to leveraging the power of the present moment, we continue to grow in the knowledge of how all of this is integrated to created a happy, fulfilling life. In today's blog & podcast episode, I am going to break this down into 3 simple steps to connect, embody, and act in alignment with your highest self.

Are you trying to accomplish a goal that requires your full attention? Today on the blog & podcast, I'm talking about how to keep your focus on achieving your goals while creating a flow in life that brings the greatest sense of joy. From moments of setting intentions to handling distractions, let's get focused and bring a greater sense of presence to your everyday life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Did you know that I read every book recommended to or given to me as a gift? I was recently gifted a book called The Refounder after speaking as the Pittsburg Technology Council about power grid modernization. As an electrical engineer, a wife, a mother of 6, and a wellness advocate, I find myself in a time of stepping back and reassessing my life in various areas. This book is based on Pittsburgh company and a point in the founder's life where he, too, was stepping back and reassess his life and career. Chances are you are at this point in life your life in some capacity where you are looking to step back and assess some specific area of your life. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 3 steps to reset and reach your goals. We are all integrated mind, body, and spirit & and it can be beneficial to take seasonal breaks to step back, reassess, and move forward with renewed energy and focus to reach our biggest dreams and goals. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Did you know the average brain weighs as much as 10 lbs?! The amount of data a brain can store is equal to roughly 1 million gigabytes. With 86 billion neurons in the brain & 1000 connections per neuron, it's important that we are giving our brains proper rest. We know the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, but we may not realize the unhealthy sleep habits that have crept into our lives. Today on the blog & podcast, I'm sharing 5 sleep tips to keep your brain healthy. Let's get a quick reminder that sleep habits matter & learn ways to start logging the right amount of zzz's, so we can find a flow of life that allows us to get enough sleep to wake up feeling refreshed!

Have you taken a moment of gratitude today? A few recent life events have served as beautiful reminder of how grateful I am for my body, especially during moments of illness, sadness, and transition. We are living in a time of rushing and must-do's that invade our everyday cultural environment, and we don't always hear our bodies telling us to slow down and be present. When we get sick or receive an unexpected diagnosis or lose a loved one (even a family pet), this time of transition can serve as a catalyst for growing in deeper gratitude for ours bodies that give us the ability to experience this life each day. In today's blog & podcast episode, I am sharing 3 ways that you can show gratitude for your body, especially if you are in a time of transition.

Have you ever taken time to sit back & reflect on how you arrived at your place in the world? I recently had the opportunity to reflect upon my career as an electrical engineer in a male-dominated industry. I was asked to speak to an educational panel as well as an upcoming class of engineering students at the university level. Upon reflecting upon my career as a successful electrical engineer, earning my doctorate degree, & thriving as a wife and other of 6 children, I compile an insightful list of 10 life lessons that I want to share with you today. In today's blog & podcast episode, I am sharing these 10 life lessons that I've learned as a female professional and a working mother in the male-dominated industry of electrical engineering.

Does work life balance really exist… or is it more of a blend? If you've listened to my podcast, you know that I don't prescribe to the idea of work life “balance” but I find the concept of work life “harmony” a better description for the joy & peace we all seek to find among our personal and professional lives. The pandemic brought a huge shift in the way that we work and live and some of the proverbial walls it broke down between our personal lives and our work lives have taught us a few things about achieving better work life balance. In today's blog & podcast episode, I am sharing 3 things that pandemic can teach us about achieving better work life blending the act of blending our personal and professional lives together in a way that bring more purpose and joy to the everyday.

How do we let go & trust within the chaos going on around us? There's this idea that we can only control how we respond to what happens to us rather than controlling what happens around us, but it can be a challenge to accept this truth and learn how to let go and really surrender. As we all adjust to this new normal after the past few years, it's important for us to take the time to step back from the business of life and really ask ourselves if we are showing up as the best version of ourselves for those around us. In today's blog & podcast episode, I am sharing 7 ways that I deepen my trust within myself so that I can extend that trust to those around me & begin to feel at peace with the world around me as I continually learn, grow, and become the best version of myself.

How do you create the space & awareness to do all of the things that bring you joy? They say that the organ that uses the most energy is your brain. We are constantly making decisions all day long & we can utilize this decision making power to bring about more joy in our everyday lives. Journaling is one of the most effective ways to recognize the habits that are negatively affecting your life so that you can use the process of crowding out to replace them with more positive habits that do bring you joy. In today's blog & podcast episode, I'm going to share 2 ways to use journaling to create healthier habits this year!

Have you ever started the daily practice of journaling just to end up with notebooks full of blank pages? As I was making my lists & checking them twice this holiday season, I realized that the trending topic of bullet journaling (which has been the method I've used for years) has helped me stay consistent with the daily practice of journaling. Journaling has been a key factor in bringing awareness to my daily intentions & creating a life that brings me joy. In today's blog & podcast episode, I'm sharing 7 benefits of daily bullet journaling for beginners (& tips for making it a fun part of your day rather that just another thing on your to-do list!)

Do you feel stuck in a personal or professional rut - maybe it's time to declutter your life? I'm happy to be back with regular blog & podcast episodes again after a short break. I had been feeling stuck in a creative rut lately & unable to connect the dots as to why I felt this way. I took this time to declutter my life - mentally, physically and all other possible ways to help me find that pep in my step again. In today's blog & podcast episode, I'm sharing 3 simple tips to declutter your life for this new season ahead, especially if you're feeling stuck in a personal or professional rut.