Joyful-Souls with Tracey Benson

The holidays can be a tricky time. For some of us, navigating these months can add a lot of unnecessary stress, particularly when it comes to choosing those perfect presents that will wow your loved ones. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing a few tips that have helped me stay organized this year, as well as how the concept of love languages has personally aided me in regards to gift-giving. To hear more, tune in to Episode 29 of Joyful-Souls!In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic on gift-giving during the holidays (1:20)Why understanding someone’s love language can help you when deciding what to get them (2:43)Why giving your loved ones presents they genuinely want creates a deeper connection between you and them (6:02)Ideas for those who enjoy giving gifts rather than receiving them (8:07)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today’s episode is a bit of a heavy one. I recently lost two friends of mine within the personal development circle and have taken some time to collect my thoughts on all of it. Reflection has been rampant in mourning and the one thing that’s been pressing on my mind lately is how grateful I am for the people around me.On the show today, I want to share why I’m so passionate about practicing gratitude, particularly through adversity, why learning to live in the moment is beneficial for us in the long run, as well as some ways to ensure we never live with regrets. To hear more, tune in to Episode 28 of Joyful-Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:How grieving the loss of my friends made me realize what I was taking for granted (1:28)Why dedicating more time to our loved ones can alleviate our regrets (4:03)The effect it leaves on the people closest to us to show them we care (6:36)What I’ve been reflecting on after losing these individuals (7:39)The responsibility we have during conflict in our relationships (9:16)Why it’s so important to stay connected with the people in our lives (12:24)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

These past couple of weeks have been a little tough. I’ve unfortunately had to put my dog of eleven years down and have been taking some time to say goodbye to him. Caring for a pet, particularly a dog, is one of the most fulfilling, educational, and loving ventures you can embark on and there is so much we can stand to learn from animals. In this episode, I’ll be sharing a few of the things I’m grateful for in regards to the dogs I’ve owned over the years, why this holiday season has been an especially emotional time for me personally, and why bringing a pet into your home is an overall blessing. To hear more, tune in to Episode 27 of Joyful-Souls!In This Episode You Will Learn:What I’m grateful for in regards to my dog who recently passed away (3:32)What made me reminisce on my first pet during my gratitude meditation (6:09)Why owning a dog, in particular, is such a blessing (8:00)A question for my listeners — What in our lives are we taking for granted? (9:44)Why I get particularly emotional about this topic during the holidays (12:35)The benefits of adopting a furry family member this season (14:52)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This year has been one of the most challenging yet, and with our lives shifting so dramatically over the past several months, it’s been all the more difficult to slow down and truly take inventory of the world around us. One thing I’m so grateful to have learned this year is the beauty behind slowing down. As someone who has always lived a relatively ‘fast’ life, this was such a necessary skill I needed to work on and has helped me to improve the quality of every aspect of my life. I’ve had the energy to dedicate space to my career and my close relationships, and have used this time as a way to reflect on how far I’ve come within my own personal growth. In this episode, I’m going to share how stopping to smell the roses has really benefited me over the last year, why it’s important to incorporate levity and play into our lives, and why developing the right mindset is a key component to achieving personal success. To learn more, tune in to Episode 26 of Joyful-Souls!In This Episode You Will Learn:The pros and cons of living a fast life & How my view has shifted on doing this (2:16)How slowing down helped me cultivate stronger and more meaningful relationships (5:56)Why we need to ‘take inventory’ in our own lives (8:28)Why we need to incorporate play into our work lives (10:21)How focusing on my coaching career has benefited me over the last ten years (12:21)Why slowing down has reframed my perspective towards my clients (15:19) Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the year is slowly drawing to a close, many out there have taken this time in isolation to reflect and refocus on what is truly important to us. In today’s episode, I’m going to be sharing my take on how we can bring in the New Year with a sense of pride and excitement and how we can focus on our goals in spite of all the upcoming holiday stress! I’ll be talking about how I’ve seen the restrictions of Covid-19 affect those around me, how we can harness our courage in the face of adversity, and why next year is one we should be bringing in with curiosity rather than dread. To hear more, tune in to Episode 25 of Joyful-Souls!In This Episode You Will Learn:Why the holidays tend to take precedence over our goals at the end of the year (1:54)Advice for how we can meet our holiday expectations and still finish the year on a strong note (3:49)Why planning is so important when working under time constraints (4:02)How I’ve seen the loss of commute time affect people within my life (5:46)Why some couples have chosen to work on their relationship during isolation (6:53)Why I’ve neglected to prioritize the ‘musts’ in my life (8:38)How I’m going to make my health and fitness a priority (9:55)What I challenge my listeners to ask themselves in preparation for the New Year (11:45)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last week, I had a bit of a personal breakthrough. After attending a weekend retreat with a friend of mine, my eyes were opened to so many personal insights that I wasn’t aware of or even conscious of before attending. I learned lessons about my own creativity, the limitations I place on my own abilities, and the importance of taking risks. In this episode, I’ll be sharing how this epiphany impacted me personally, what I discovered about myself, as well as why I want my listeners to look inwards and really ask yourselves the questions that matter. To hear more, have a listen to Episode 24 of Joyful Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic (1:40)What I’ve gained as a result of relaxing my own rules (8:30)How fear has a tendency to rule our emotions and intentions when it comes to taking risks (9:38)How the lessons I learned at my previous retreat related to what happened over the weekend (11:31)Why ‘what would love do?’ has been my mantra this year & My philosophy behind giving to others (14:56)What I discovered about my own restrictions through painting & Why letting go led me towards a greater outcome (17:51)How I felt leading a guided meditation on the retreat & The breakthrough I made during that session (26:16)What I’m imploring my listeners to ask themselves today (31:45)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coming up on our eighth month of lockdown, things have shifted monumentally in many aspects of our lives. Both economically and emotionally, we are feeling taxed by the weight of everything going on right now and many tenants in the Real Estate sector have fallen victim to evictions on top of the already stressful restrictions that Covid-19 has put on all of us. It’s been a logistically difficult time for both tenants and landlords respectfully. Today, I’m going to be sharing my perspective on how lockdown has affected myself as a Property Manager, my side of the ongoing tenancy agreements I have with my clients, why I value consistency, and why empathy is so important for us to practice right now. If you’re interested to hear more, tune in to Episode 23 of Joyful-Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:How lockdown has shifted my business model (2:20)My perspective towards tenants I feel have been misinformed during Covid-19 (4:43)Why healthcare should be affordable and accessible to all (7:52)A story from one of my clients who’d received the wrong information regarding their payments (9:21)Why I feel the burden has fallen on Property Managers, Owners, and Landlords (10:37)The grievances I have with the public response in regards to tenancy laws (15:53)Why I feel some people have taken advantage of kindness during lockdown (21:45)The importance of ‘preparing for winter’ (23:17)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Something that’s repeatedly been brought to my attention lately is the complacent behaviors I’ve noticed from those within negative and sometimes, even toxic relationships. It’s a conversation I’ve had many times within my own circle of friends and so often, it’s disheartening to see their willingness to stay in partnerships that aren’t conducive to their own mental health. In this episode, I’m going to be sharing my perspective on this topic and give some advice to any listeners out there who may stand to benefit from these much-needed home truths. With compassion, understanding, and a genuine belief in our own self-worth, we are bound to attract the right people into our lives, but we must be willing to take those steps and practice honesty when it comes to our intimate relationships. Join me on Episode 22 to hear more! In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic on intimate relationships (1:43)My perspective on ‘unfixable’ issues within a partnership & Why we can’t expect people to change when they’ve repeatedly made the same mistake (2:16)Why it’s important to place responsibility on a spouse for their own toxic trait or behavior (5:00)How low self-esteem and self-worth can lead to tolerating negative relationships for prolonged periods of time (6:15)Why we need to take ownership of our actions when we willingly stay in a toxic relationship (9:54)Why people in extremely physically abusive situations are an exception to this (11:53) The concept of being addicted to a bad relationship (15:20)My advice on self-love, tolerance, and seeing your own value (18:04)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you checked in with yourself today? If you’re in the mood for some much-needed relaxation, then join me in today’s episode where I’ll be talking you through a guided meditation! Moving away from my usual episodes, this one will be a little less conversation heavy and focus more on how we can ground ourselves and bring awareness to our mind through this practice. Meditation has been proven to produce optimal results for decades now and has even helped those with issues such as insomnia, anxiety, and generalized stress. I ask that you keep an open mind for today and participate in whatever way you feel comfortable. This could even be a great resource to revisit for future moments of decompression. I’ll see you there! In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s guided meditation (1:02)A brief moment for my listeners to get comfortable in preparation for this session (2:46)Calming deep breathing exercises (3:13)Guided ‘body scan’ on each area of the body (4:49)Bringing awareness to our breath and hearts (6:36)Gratitude practice (7:38)Grounding physical exercises to center yourself (15:21)Conclusion for today’s meditation (16:57)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As election season looms, tensions will naturally start to rise. This year especially has brought with it new challenges and obstacles in the form of the current Coronavirus pandemic, which has only amplified our need for strong and compassionate leadership. What I feel we’ve lost in the face of disagreements that are politically charged, is the ability to communicate respectfully. It feels so much of the time, we approach confrontation with a need to be right, rather than a desire to listen. In this episode, I’m going to be discussing how social media has played a role in the exacerbation of strong emotions, why I believe we should abolish the ‘partisan’ system in US politics, and why we should be more open to each other’s viewpoints. I also share some of my experiences within the Real Estate field, touching on how Covid-19 has affected both tenants and landlords, as well as my personal opinion on these disputes. It’s going to be one you’ll definitely want to engage with, so join me on Episode 20 of Joyful Souls to hear more!In This Episode You Will Learn:Why tensions run higher around this time of year (2:25)Why I don’t align with the traditional ‘partisan’ system (3:14)How social media has fed politically driven arguments & Why Covid-19 and the Election are creating tension (5:06)My response to the hate and misinformation that is spread on social media (7:19)Why we need to engage in respectful political discourse, even if we disagree (9:22)The responsibility we have over our online interactions & Why we shouldn’t judge others solely off of their profiles (11:47)A political conversation I recently had with my neighbor in the grocery store (15:19)How I’ve seen Covid-19 affect landlords under new tenancy orders (16:59)The misconceptions I’ve noticed around landlords (20:22)My opinion on the financial elements to halting evictions (23:00)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

My routine has been thrown slightly off-kilter throughout the past ten days. Weeks like these are bound to happen, especially now with all of the new stressors that lockdown has brought into our lives, so it’s important we keep strategies in mind to help us refocus during these unexpected times.Life is always going to make its attempts to throw us off course, despite our best intentions to accomplish everything on our to-do list in a timely fashion. In this episode, I’ll be discussing how I personally cope with this issue, why having a more relaxed approach to my rules has been so beneficial, and why we should take time to celebrate our wins, rather than obsessing over what we haven’t accomplished. This is one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn and am still constantly working on. Practicing gratitude and acknowledgment of our achievements can be so difficult, particularly when we’ve told ourselves that it’s something we aren’t allowed to do. Though the road to self-love isn’t always an easy one and many roadblocks present themselves along the way, I can guarantee the outcome will be worth the struggle. If you’re interested to hear more, join me on Episode 19 of Joyful-Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:Why I’ve lost track of my routine lately (1:16)The value of celebrating ourselves (2:08)How I redirect my energy when something has thrown me off course (3:45)The effect that relaxing my rules has had on my life (4:28)Why it’s so important to appreciate the small victories (5:25)Strategies I used this week that helped me to maintain a healthy mindset (6:11)What about my career lights me up & Where I focus my energy in the work realm (7:47)Why being joyful has felt so freeing (9:31)Today’s advice for my listeners (10:42)A mantra I received while getting reacquainted with fitness (13:07)Why being celebrated enriches our lives (14:59)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, I’ve been inspired to ask myself the question, what would love do?It’s an all-encompassing phrase that has given me the definitive push I’ve needed to start reframing my own perspective. Love comes in many forms, it’s present in our relationships with those closest to us, it’s attached to the passions we have for certain endeavors, and it’s even present in the feelings we have towards ourselves. Self-love is arguably the most important factor when it comes to this subject. In this episode, I’ll be diving into how we can use this question and the topic of love to find positive ways to meet our needs, what love means to me in a broader sense, as well as why the people who have hurt us throughout our lives can teach us the most important lessons and can even be a source of gratitude for us in the future. To learn more, tune in to Episode 18 of Joyful-Souls!In This Episode You Will Learn:How we can shift our perspective by asking ourselves one question (2:03)Examples of how we tend to shift blame over our own inner conflicts (2:47)Why we need to meet our needs in more positive ways (3:50)Why self-love serves us the most in life (5:15)What love means to me (6:04)Why I believe love doesn’t mess with the mind (6:25)Why our biggest growth comes from the people in our lives who have hurt us (7:27)A mindful task for my listeners to use in times of stress (9:31)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our routines are certainly not what they used to be. As so much has unfolded around us and our personal and professional rituals have started to shift dramatically, it’s safe to say that many of us have neglected to prioritize self-care. It’s not an easy feat, particularly right now, but it’s so vital that we do remember to incorporate time for ourselves in whatever way that looks like for us. In today’s episode, I share how these shifts have affected me and some of my clients’, why recognizing what brings us joy is so important in keeping a steady routine, and why practicing gratitude is necessary and can be accessed by everyone, no matter what our personal circumstances may be. Join me on Episode 17 of Joyful-Souls to hear more personal development insights and useful advice for how we can truly utilize this newfound free time! In This Episode You Will Learn:How Covid-19 has shifted people’s routines and schedules (1:14)How a shift in our emotional, physical and mental state can be beneficial to us during this time (2:47)How my own weight gain made me more conscious of the elements in my routine that I was neglecting (3:58)My experience using sensory deprivation tanks & Why the pandemic has made me realize how much I need to be using them (4:45)How the effects of the Coronavirus on my business made me lose track of the things I needed to be doing for myself (6:53)The importance of prioritizing self-care (7:54)How we can become better accustomed to the change in our routines as a result of the pandemic (9:14)Why we need to remember to do things that bring us joy right now (11:23)Why our bandwidth for resourcefulness is increased when we make things in our life a must (13:26)Tips for my listeners on how to ease stress mentally, physically and spiritually (17:20)Why gratitude is such a universal concept, despite our personal situations (20:41)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I’ve recently been reflecting on my relationship with health and nutrition. Throughout my life, my mindset surrounding food intake and weight management has fluctuated and evolved to where it is now. It’s also been heavily influenced by the experiences I went through in my later years when first starting out to develop my Real Estate Brokerage business. In this episode, I’ll be discussing how the changes in my body have affected my own perception, how the knowledge I’ve gained about nutrition in a more holistic sense has shifted the way I think about what I put in my body, and why the way we feel is so much more important than any number on a scale. Join me on episode 16 of Joyful Souls to learn more! In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic on nutrition and weight maintenance (1:34)My personal history with my weight & How I approached fitness in my early days (2:50)Why my fitness regime fell to the wayside when first starting my business & The effect it had on my weight (4:54)How the changes in my body affected the perception I had of myself & When I started to actively think about what I was putting into my body (7:20)My experience working with a nutritionist & How the knowledge I’d gained shifted the way I thought about nutrition (9:15)My thought process over the last few years in regards to food and its scientific effects on the body (12:01)What made me realize I was turning to food in times of distress & How it showed me the importance of adopting the right mindset (13:03)What helped me to create lasting change in relation to my health and body composition (18:39)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.comResources:Website: ‘Wim Hof’ - Athlete See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Procrastination is something all of us have struggled with at one point or another. For me, lately, I’ve found dualities in my ability to put off tasks that I not only don’t want to do, but also enjoy doing. It’s an odd concept, as the things we love should never feel like a burden or something that has to be done, but finding a balance in our ever-changing and busy lives is often hard to do. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing a few tips that have helped me organize my schedule in a way that is more efficient and conducive to completing my errands on time, why stress is no longer a motivator in my life in the way that it used to be, and the ways in which our ‘survival brain’ operates to keep us safe from discomfort. Tune in to Episode 15 of Joyful Souls to learn more! In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic on procrastination (1:14)What I’ve realized about where my procrastination stems from (2:37)Why I’ve put off things that I enjoy doing (3:13)Why I need to re-approach the way in which I carry out tasks I like doing (4:40)Why stress and pressure are no longer motivators for me (5:43)The benefits of ‘advanced scheduling’ (7:05)Why a lack of control makes us feel like leaning into our procrastination (9:25)A task for you to carry out, that assists with prioritizing and scheduling (10:22)How our ‘survival brain’ works to keep us safe from stress (12:49)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Conflict is something a lot of us tend to avoid and it’s perfectly understandable why we wouldn’t feel comfortable approaching these kinds of situations in our everyday lives. For many out there, having these discussions can feel overwhelming and we may not know the best ways to bring up our issues without offending the people we’re trying to speak with. In today’s episode, I’m joined by High Performance Coach and CEO at ‘Tough Conversations International’ and ‘Play For Real’, David Wood! David is an expert in this area and shares his insights on some of his best practices for these issues in particular, as well as breaking down his step-by-step model to conflict resolution and communication. Having those ‘tough conversations’ doesn’t have to feel like a burden. Through participating in open communication and being equipped with the proper toolbelt, we can learn to reach a happy medium with the people in our lives and be better off for it.To learn more on this topic and gain a few valuable insights from David, tune in to Episode 14 of Joyful Souls! Some Questions I Ask:As an accomplished Coach and Leader in your field, could you break down what an appropriate tough conversation looks like? (8:48)How can someone approach a conversation they’ve been meaning to have with another person but aren’t sure how to go about broaching the subject? (12:52)How would you recommend we go about having honest conversations with ourselves? (30:19)What piece of advice would you give to your younger self in order to achieve your personal goals faster? (41:40)In This Episode You Will Learn:Background on David Wood & What brought him to where he is today (1:02)Language we can use in the workplace and in relationships to confidently and safely approach interpersonal disputes (11:20)A situation that recently came up with my eldest Son & The connection it has to David’s ‘Four Step C.A.R.E Model’ (14:54)A roleplay between myself and David on how to approach tough conversations (19:47)Our debrief after the roleplay & Why approaching conflict in my personal life has always felt difficult (24:52)Why being attentive towards others and listening to their point of view equally is so important in having an open dialogue (27:05) What it means to schedule regular ‘CEO Time’ (33:51)Why so many of us feel we need to be constantly accessible to everyone in our lives & The effect that mindset has on our psyche (37:00)The benefits that High Level Coaching can have on leaders in business (40:28)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail Connect With David Wood:Play For Real - WebsiteTough Conversations International - Website‘Tough Conversations with David Wood’ - Apple PodcastsLinkedInTwitterResources:‘Tough Conversations C.A.R.E Model’, David Wood See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For those of you out there seeking advice on how to stay financially stable and properly manage your money, look no further than today’s episode! I’ll be diving into my personal tips and tricks for keeping a consistent cash flow coming in, as well as how my perspective on money has influenced my role in the Real Estate sector. We’ve all felt the hit of this year’s current Coronavirus pandemic and many of us have taken on that weight in the business side of our lives. It’s a particularly crucial concern at the moment, as many out there have lost their sole sources of income or have experienced a significant drop in what they had before lockdown. In this episode, I’ll be primarily focusing on how to prepare for ‘winter’ and save your money accordingly. To hear more useful insights and to gain a deeper understanding of financial management, tune in to Episode 13 of Joyful Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic on financially planning for ‘winter’ (1:02)My approach to monetarily preparing, business-wise (2:16)Why Covid-19 has put our personal income security into perspective (2:48)What I realized about financial sustainability from my previous job in Real Estate (4:06)How I became an innovator within the Property Management market (7:03)How the management of my business gave me consistent cash flow despite feeling a hit in other areas of the company (9:54)Why having multiple enterprises is so important to bringing in a stable cash flow (11:45)What to do once you have an emergency fund built up (13:23)The difference between taking calculated risks with your investments and making flippant monetary decisions (16:29)Where to start when cutting your expenses (17:34)Why we should focus on enjoying life and not get too caught up in the process of hoarding money (19:53)The benefits to seeking out mentorship (22:16)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s show, I’m going to be discussing the topic of connection and how it plays a role within our friendships and intimate relationships. We quite often find ourselves placed in relationships that aren’t serving us for a multitude of reasons. Many underlying factors to choosing to stay with those people are lack of self-belief or knowledge that our needs are important and it’s vital that we learn how to prioritize our own self-worth. Choosing who we devote our energy to determines so much of what our circle of friends is going to look like, so we must make compassionate decisions in who we surround ourselves with. I also touch on what I’ve learned from previous friendships that weren’t always reciprocal, why those around us may not always be open to receiving our time and efforts, and why having a connection with ourselves is so essential. If you’re interested to hear more, then tune in to Episode 12 of Joyful Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:How the topic of ‘connection’ was brought up to me recently (1:25)Why a lot of us tend to believe we’re not enough in relationships when they end ‘too soon’ (3:14)How timing plays a factor in our relationships & Why we feel a need to mend connections with those who may not be ready to receive it (3:56)What I’ve learned from past experiences with those who weren’t reciprocating their efforts in the friendship (6:10)How to examine and be mindful of our patterns with the people in our lives (10:33)Why you don’t need a huge circle of friends (12:00)The importance of having a connection with ourselves (15:29)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our tribe determines so many facets in our lives. Whether it’s our personal, professional, or romantic relationships, who we spend our time with is a huge influence towards how we present ourselves. It’s important that we remember to create relationships with those who are lifting us up, rather than bringing us down - and for many of us, making those decisions can be really challenging.A key value in this process is honesty, not only with the people around us but with ourselves as well. For our own happiness to shine through, it’s our responsibility to act authentically and have the strength to communicate when things get tough. Becoming comfortable with confrontation and honest conversation is not an easy feat, but it’s something we must learn in order to become the best versions of ourselves we can be. In this episode, I discuss how I have learned to shift my circle of friends to best reflect who I am, why it’s so important to actively think about who we surround ourselves with, as well as some personal recollections on how the people in my life reacted when I chose to distance myself. To hear more on this topic and start your journey towards building your tribe, tune in to Episode 11 of Joyful Souls!In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic (1:08)Why we need to get more comfortable with the idea of confrontation (5:15)How I learned to make decisions about my circle of friends through Tony Robbins’ ‘Date with Destiny’ (6:10)The response I got from my friend group after choosing to distance myself & The importance of trusting those around you to handle what you’re telling them (10:25)Why choosing to shift your relationships with people is not a selfish decision (15:04)What leadership means to me now (16:10)Why the example I’ve set for the people in my life has made a stronger impact than words (17:28)The importance of understanding and prioritizing your own needs (22:52)The meaning behind the six people you surround yourself with the most (23:38)How to handle negative people in your life who detract from your happiness (25:03)The essence of building, expanding and minimizing your tribe (28:04)My advice on assessing the circle of people in your life (30:49)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This year has been a challenging one, to say the least. For many of us, it’s been an eye-opening one, as issues surrounding racial injustice have jumped to the forefront and the spread of Covid-19 has overwhelmed our world. In this episode, I share some insights into how we can approach our stressors head-on and give ourselves perspective on the situation. We have the choice to embrace our resourcefulness and refuse to become the victim of our situation. I also give some advice on how we can apply meaning to the things that happen in our lives and make the decision to let them happen for us. If you’re curious to hear more, then tune in to Episode 10 of Joyful Souls!In This Episode You Will Learn:How Covid-19 restrictions are looking in my city (1:32)The growing emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement (3:07)What it means to thrive in times of extreme stress (3:58)Understanding what brings quality to your life (4:49)Why we should embrace our resourcefulness during hardships rather than becoming victims to our circumstances (5:50)The reality of needing to use your white privilege & How we can gain perspective (8:18)How we can use gratitude to better own the choices we make (10:43)Why we need to face our problems head-on rather than hide away (11:52)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today, it’s just me! We’ve all had an incredibly heavy past few weeks and a lot of us are in need of some levity at the moment. So often, we fall into the pattern of blaming ourselves that we aren’t being productive in times of crisis but we need to remember that our systems are recovering from overdrive right now, so this is a time to reflect. Taking accountability is something I fully believe in and preach to my clients. I believe in adopting a mindset of radical responsibility and understanding the root cause of an issue. In this episode, I discuss journaling techniques that have helped me through personal issues, how Covid-19 has impacted our ability to take responsibility, and ways we can break our patterns and adjust to change. To hear more on how we can learn to stay balanced in times of distress, tune in to Episode 9 of Joyful-Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:Why we need to indulge in moments of levity at the moment (1:10)How we have started to blame isolation for more in our lives (4:01)How our routines are being affected by Covid-19 & How we apply meaning in times of distress (6:38)Why we should start taking ‘radical responsibility’ (8:46)Why journaling is beneficial in finding the root cause of an issue (9:31)How journaling helped me solve a recurring issue my Husband and I had (12:14)How events in our childhood have affected us in our adult lives and translated into relationship issues (17:06)Ways we can break our patterns & What techniques help me personally (23:00)Let’s Connect!InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The events that have undergone in the US these past few weeks have had an effect globally. Since the death of George Floyd, protestors worldwide have stood in solidarity with the black community and been led by prominent members of Indigenous and Native groups. This episode is going to address the racial injustices that are running rampant throughout our country, and bring awareness to a topic that has been ignored for far too long. As a white woman, it’s my responsibility to use my privilege to amplify underrepresented voices and help others to understand why these issues are so important. For real change to happen, we all must band together and use our strengths in the right ways. Our power is palpable and we are all capable of making an impact, we just need to put in the effort. If you’re interested to hear more about this conversation and learn how we can support this cause, then tune in to Episode 8 of Joyful Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:The effect George Floyd’s death has had globally & My perspective on my own privilege as a white woman (1:10)The reality of the protests going on in the US (6:10)The understanding that other marginalized groups still experience prejudice in other ways & Why we all need to band together right now (8:09)Why we need to stop being complacent and address the broken systems that run rampant throughout the US (9:06)Why I feel anger towards myself and other white individuals (12:18)My opinion on where prejudice towards minorities stems from (15:17)Why we need to be making the effort to be better allies (16:51)Connect With Tracey Benson:InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I’m a big believer in routines. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced feelings of stress, anxiety and there’s often been times where I’ve felt overwhelmed with the idea of how many things are on my plate. Structuring a daily practice that fit the needs of my lifestyle and catered to both my work and personal life has been an essential part of controlling my stress management. In this episode, I discuss the importance of routines and why they are so beneficial to our well being, tips for reducing our stressors and how we can put them into perspective, as well as sharing a few of my own nighttime rituals. Our minds and bodies deserve to be treated with respect and it’s sometimes hard to remember to take time for ourselves. Building a solid routine is the first step in ensuring that we are putting in the effort to better our own lives and make ourselves a priority. Creating consistent daily habits is something we will need to work on, but the payoff is so, so worth it! If you’re interested to learn more and hear some advice that I share with my own clients on this topic, then tune in to Episode 7 of Joyful-Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:How having a daily routine has helped me (1:54)Why I tell my clients to practice gratitude (4:02)The importance of incorporating physical activity into your morning routine (4:54)Some of Tony Robbins’ daily exercises and how I’ve applied them to my life (5:44)Why you should be actively listening to resources such as audiobooks and guided meditations (7:36)Suggested nighttime rituals to ensure you sleep well (8:22) My advice for minimizing stress & What to do when you feel yourself becoming agitated (10:32)How our stressors can affect those around us & Ways to control those emotions (12:28)My personal nighttime routine (16:59)Connect With Tracey Benson:InstagramFacebookEmail Resources:Article - “What is Priming?”, Tony RobbinsYoutube Video - “Devi Prayer” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

My life has been a rollercoaster of emotions and learning experiences. One of the hardest things I’ve had to come to terms with over the years in order to become my most authentic self, was learning how to let go of my own limiting beliefs and change the rules I’d placed upon my life. In this episode, I talk about how I’ve redefined my definition of success, how I’ve learned to live simpler, and what led me to discover my inner fulfillment and feelings of contentment. My life opened up exponentially by simply becoming aware of the things that were holding me back.As people, we are forever growing and changing to the environment around us and it’s essential that we tap into our internal thought patterns so that we can best approach life in a balanced way. It’s a challenging road ahead, but with the right tools and an optimistic outlook, anyone is capable of change. If you’re interested to learn more and want to challenge your own set of beliefs, then tune in to Episode 6 of Joyful Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:How my way of thinking has changed since early on in life (1:10)How working with a Life Coach was a wake-up call in finding my inner joy (4:02)Advice for those that place too many rules and regulations on themselves (6:52)What success means to me now (10:56)My personal take on perfectionism (12:52)Why striving to be perfect in every facet of life was never truly fulfilling (16:14)Ways we can help ourselves when using negative self-talk (19:40)Connect With Tracey Benson:InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When the children have left home, empty nesters can feel disengaged and irrelevant. The role of being a parent, suddenly not as needed, can lead to much confusion and disorientation, leading to feelings that they no longer matter.Today I’m joined by two of my absolute favorite people, Michelle Lee and Mark O’Toole - self-proclaimed ‘Dream Architects’ helping others in the same age bracket rediscover their passions and joy for life. Mark and Michelle, empty nesters themselves, are on a mission to help thousands of empty nesters to engage fully with life through deeper and more meaningful Experiences, unconditional Contribution, and evolving and consistent Growth. Known as The Dream Architects, the lifestyle and nutrition coaches, co-create with their clients to help them re-ignite their dreams, and engage in healthy choices, through programs like My Dream Matters and My Body Matters. When clients raise their ECG Life pulse and truly embrace self-love, they ultimately feel like they do matter.In this episode, they share their journey to becoming a couple and starting a business together, what ‘ECG’ means at The Dream Architects and how their classes benefit attendees moving forward into the next phase of their lives.It’s wonderful that this kind of work is being done and seeing what success has come out of their programs, there is definitely a huge audience in need of the support and motivation. Rather than feeling like the next chapter is a burden, these two make the transition feel like a welcome and exciting addition to life. If you’d like to hear more about Michelle and Mark’s story of becoming who they are today, then tune in to Episode 5 of Joyful-Souls! Some Questions I Ask:Michelle, how did you meet Mark and what were you doing before the business took off? (3:48)Mark, where were you before you met Michelle, and how did life change after becoming a couple? (7:34)What is the focus in the groups you run & what do guests have to look forward to when they connect with you? (18:27)How is physical fitness incorporated in your classes? (24:55)What’s next for you two? (31:43)What is one tip you would give to your younger self for getting to the extraordinary life you have now, faster? (35:18)In This Episode You Will Learn:Background on Mark and Michelle and the story of how they met (3:00)How ‘The Dream Architects’ came to be and insights from Mark and Michelle on deciding to work together as a couple (10:42)What the concept of ECG means at ‘The Dream Architects’ (14:25) How Michelle and Mark’s programs operate (18:42)What ECG Expeditions are (28:08)Connect With Mark O’Toole & Michelle Lee:Facebook InstagramThe Dream Architects - WebsiteThe Awakening Empty Nester - Podcast EmailResources: Fitness Program - “WildFit”Let’s connect!InstagramFacebookEmail See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Quarantine is starting to take its toll on all of us, particularly those living in close proximity with their spouses and other family members. In today’s episode, I cover a few tips and strategies that you can apply to your living situation to help ease the tension that is bubbling to the surface. It’s such an uncertain time right now and for many of us, we’re starting to take our emotions out on the people closest to us. We shouldn’t be beating ourselves up over it, but it’s important to recognize and take action when we feel these moments coming on. This is the time for us to be making the effort with each other and to be considerate of those around us, because we all need the support right now. If you’re in need of some resources on these subjects, then tune into Episode 4 of Joyful Souls! In This Episode You Will Learn:Tips on easing tension between household members during quarantine (3:33)Insights into my experience in lockdown with my partner (9:46)The importance of focusing on personal projects while at home (11:07)Strategies for learning how to meditate (12:42) How my relationship dynamics have changed over the years (14:18)Games for couples and families to use to keep the household harmonious (16:40)Why you should be taking an interest in each other’s hobbies (21:29)How to communicate and gain perspective while you’re still angry (24:44)Connect With Tracey Benson:InstagramFacebookEmail Resources:Book - “Loving What Is” Author, Byron Katie See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With everything that is going on, globally, I am sure that many people are dealing with the grief that results from any type of loss, ranging from losing a family member, a friend, a business, a job, or a substantial amount of money. And I know it’s not easy. I’ve been there, I’ve seen the different ways in which people cope with the grieving process and I know it takes time to overcome a tragedy.I am deeply empathetic to those that lost someone or something in the past several months, and today, I am going to tell you a personal story that marked my childhood and my entire life, and I am going to share some pieces of advice that come from my own experience and from what I’ve learned throughout my life journey.Listen to Episode 03 of Joyful-Souls, to learn that you are not alone. Remember, pain is inevitable but suffering is optional and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.In this episode, you will learn:The unfortunate incident that led to one of my brother’s death. (01:49)How this tragedy has impacted my family, my childhood, and formed my character. (04:27)How regression therapy helped me recover from the panic attacks and the recurrent nightmares I had. (06:56)The importance of remembering the good that people leave behind after they’re gone. (14:56)How reaching out to other people is essential when you’re grieving. (17:55)How we can support the people around us that have suffered a loss of any kind. (18:18)Let’s connect!Email: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com Facebook PageInstagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“The quality of your life is directly in correlation with the amount of uncertainty you can tolerate.” – Tony RobbinsThink about your best day, think about the best moment of your life. I’m sure you’ve had some hiccups along the way before experiencing that amazing memory, but the choices you’ve made and the decisions you took helped you overcome those bumps in the road and find joy and peace on the other side.What if you could have that feeling every single day of your life?The world would definitely be so amazing if we all felt joy on a daily basis and if we were all content with knowing that we’re doing our best while accepting the things in our life that we cannot control.Listen to Episode 02 of Joyful-Souls, where I am going to talk to you about the need people have for certainty and/or uncertainty – which is also variety - and how in many cases it’s better to just go with the flow and not fight the circumstances and things that are beyond our power to change.In this episode, you will learn:How resisting uncertainty leads to negative feelings like stress, frustration, and anger. (03:42)The reasons why our brain runs from uncertainty. (05:25)How I learned to feel comfortable with the unknowns that surround me. (07:14)How going with the flow allows you to have more joy and peace on the other side. (09:52)How striving for perfection prevents you from doing what you love. (11:11)Why now more than ever, during COVID-19, we have to embrace uncertainty. (12:56)The first steps you can take to start your journey of accepting the uncertainties in your life. (18:47)The importance of having someone around that can help you bounce back when you get stuck. (22:48)Let’s connect!Email: traceybenson@joyfulsouls.com Facebook PageInstagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We all have struggles and turning points in our lives - it’s just the way it is, and we cannot change what’s out of our control.But, what we can adjust and work on is the way we roll with what goes on. Instead of wishing for the perfect life, how about using whatever happens FOR us and leverage it to move forward to a happier, joyous and more fulfilled life?Everyone has a story to share, and today I am going to tell you mine. You will hear a little about my background, where I am now, how I got to this point, why I decided to start a podcast now, in this moment in time and where my podcast is headed.Listen to this very first episode of Joyful-Souls and embark with me on a novel journey where you will learn to refine and live in intention, on purpose, and in true alignment with your authentic self so that you can reach the pinnacle of whatever it is you want to achieve in life – because you, my friend, deserve everything that you can dream about!In this episode, you will learn:My background story that led me to this point in time. (02:17)Guiding your life by fewer and simpler rules can help you achieve success and joy every single day. (04:22)How you can live a truly fulfilled life, despite the struggles you face. (08:55)What drove me to start this podcast. (10:21)Making things happen instead of waiting for the perfect timing gets you where you want to be. (11:18)How to level up your already extraordinary life to a more fulfilled, joyous existence. (12:58)The type of guests I am going to bring to your ears. (16:41)Let’s connect!Email: traceybenson@joyful-souls.com https://www.facebook.com/tracey.benson.501/https://www.facebook.com/TraceyEBensonhttps://www.instagram.com/traceyebenson See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.