Love Your Enthusiasm

This is not the one-year anniversary episode Britt had hoped to share. Instead, it is the show's final episode. After 45 fantastic conversations, Britt has decided it is best to no longer put her energy into creating the show. At the end of the day, Britt is a life enthusiast, which means that she wants to pour herself into living it. In the last episode of Love Your Enthusiasm, you will hear more about how Britt came to make this tough decision, why she knows it is the right one, and the value of slowing things down. Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm, and being part of this memorable journey!Show Notes and Transcript: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/the-end-of-love-your-enthusiasm/

Business and mindset coach for coaches, Jennifer Trask, is enthusiastic about helping entrepreneurs live joyous lives. She is an award-winning coach and has spent over a decade helping business owners build mindsets that move them forward. In this episode, Jennifer walks us through her entrepreneurial journey and the breakthroughs she had along the way. We talk about training yourself to see joyful moments in your day, the myth of job security, why being joyous does not mean ignoring the “bad” emotions, and what we can do if we are feeling stuck in our current situations.  We spend most of our waking hours working, so why would we not want to enjoy what we do? As Jennifer highlights, being joyful is a choice, and if we commit and re-commit to feeling it day in and day out, our business and personal lives will flourish.Show Notes and Transcript:  https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/maintain-joy-day-to-day-jennifer-trask/

Non-diet nutrition and body image coach, Tanya Mark, is an advocate for the body respect and anti-diet movement. She works to redefine health and helps her clients take the focus off the scale by teaching them gentle nutrition practices and ways to honor their unique genetic blueprint. In this episode, Tanya shares her journey with us and how she came to unlearn some of the harmful ideas she held around what health and wellness are. From being obsessed with clean eating to feeling liberated and tuned into her body, Tanya’s path has given her a deep empathy for the struggles many of her clients go through. We also talk about navigating social media and representations of wellness, diet culture, and accepting your body at varying stages of our lives.  It is an unfortunate reality that as women, we will most likely struggle with our body image at one point or another and try “healthy” things that may actually do more harm than good. When we can learn to tune into our bodies and care for them with love, we can define health on our own terms.Show Notes and Transcript:  https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/the-anti-diet-and-body-respect-movement-tanya-mark/

Roxana Radulescu is the Chief Game-Changer and Founder of All Personal, a training, coaching, and consulting company. She is passionate about helping people strengthen their skills muscles so they can flourish and live in alignment.  In this episode, Roxana talks about her enthusiasm for learning, and how being shy when she was younger sharpened her observational powers and ultimately led her to the path she is now on. Roxana also shares her analogy of skills muscles, why they can be compared to our physical muscles and the importance of acknowledging what you are good at. We live in a world that lends itself to comparison, and we may think that our unique gifts are not valuable, but that could not be further from the truth. As Roxana’s message highlights, when we tune into our skills and work on them, we can shine our light as bright as is possible.Show Notes and Transcript: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/strengthen-your-skills-muscles-roxana-radulescu/

Jackie Steele is an intersectional diversity educator and advocate, feminist thought leader, political scientist, and the CEO of enjoi Diversity & Inclusion Consulting. Through Jackie’s extensive research and work around bringing new paradigms into existence, Jackie has become a champion for diversity. Diversity and inclusion have become a more commonly discussed topic in recent years. While we have made a great deal of headway, many systems remained unchanged. In this episode,  Jackie offers us a look at what sparked her passion for diversity and innovation and how her work has reflected this. We also touch on democracy and why we should not give up on our governments, the false narratives around diversity and innovation, and the importance of creating safe spaces for marginalized people to flourish.  True diversity and inclusion are not a quick-fix. Because of how deeply entrenched systems of oppression are, there is no silver bullet. Taking a systematic, thorough, and patient approach to change, as Jackie does, will result in meaningful and sustained shifts.  Show Notes and Transcript:  https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/real-talk-about-diversity-jackie-steele/

Imposter syndrome does not go away when we are chasing our goals and dreams. In fact, this can sometimes aggravate it.In this episode, Britt draws on advice from previous guests—Kate Johnston, Alison Armstrong, Case Lane—about imposter syndrome and weaves in her own experiences as well. Britt talks about some of the common triggers of imposter syndrome, along with ways you can manage these feelings, including adjusting your expectations, shifting your definition of success, and celebrating what you have already accomplished. If we learn to treat ourselves with kindness and compassion, we can revel in just how brilliant we are and move past these dark internal battles.Show Notes and Transcript:  https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/how-to-continually-overcome-imposter-syndrome/

Owner and CEO of Loyobo FIT, Courtney McCarthy, is passionate about getting women to truly love their bodies by creating a non-judgmental and open fitness space where exploration and community are a fundamental part of the experience. Pervasive and normalized toxic diet culture, along with unattainable health and beauty standards, feeds into the self-loathing relationship we have with our bodies where we are constantly chasing impossible goals. Not only does that take us out of the present moment, but we never truly feel grateful for our bodies as they are. Despite what we are programmed to believe, we are all beautiful just as we are. Courtney's approach to health is going a long way in helping us unlearn many of the false beliefs that ultimately steal so much of our joy. If we can step into what makes us unique, we will see our power and be able to celebrate our bodies for all that they can do. Show Notes and Transcript:  https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/create-your-own-version-of-health-courtney-mccarthy/

Founder, entrepreneur, writer, and podcaster Case Lane, is enthusiastic about guiding others towards achieving lifestyle freedom. She started her company, Ready Entrepreneur, to help people design the life that they want on their own terms, through creating their own online businesses.A former diplomat and legal professional, Case bravely decided to venture out on her own and she is passionate about teaching the lessons she has learned along the way.  Working for yourself is not easy. But for some of us, we would not have it any other way. Case is one of those people—she firmly believes that if more of us did the work we wanted to do, the world would be in a better place. As the past year has shown us, doing business online is not going anywhere and creating something that fulfills you is more possible than ever before. Yes, it is overwhelming when you get started. But as Case reminds us, you don’t have to do it all at once. Pick one thing, go for it, and see where it takes you.Show Notes and Transcript: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/pick-one-place-to-start-case-lane/

Entrepreneur and mindset mentor, Iris Cherng, is the Founder and CEO of Honey Belle, a natural skincare line that she started at just 23. Iris is a passionate, ambitious, big dreamer who wants others to find their purpose just as she found hers. Many of us struggle with feeling like we are not enough, that we haven’t achieved enough. But, guess what? You are more than enough. Imagine what would be possible if you took the energy you spent focusing on what you have not achieved and poured it into creation and exploration instead.On your entrepreneurial journey, you will encounter self-doubt and fear of failure. You have two choices: Either you give in and let these feelings hold you back, or you get clear on what you want and take steps to get you to where you want to be. Iris is an admirable example of what is possible if we choose to go down that second road. Show Notes and Transcript: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/you-are-your-biggest-investment-iris-cherng/

Author and yoga therapist, Jennie Lee, has a passion for all things yoga and spiritual self-development. As a lifelong student of yoga, yoga philosophy, and spiritual psychology, Jennie has an extensive toolbox of practices that allow for optimal wellbeing and purposeful living.Spirituality and self-development are terms we are hearing more frequently than ever before. While everyone has a different lens that they view this through, Jennie’s position is that spiritual self-development is about our soul’s pathway to remembering our true essence. This means that we all know what our purpose is and that it is within all of us to connect to who we truly are. Jennie sheds light on her meditation practice and how you can start one. She discusses why we should all be cultivating discipline rather than fearing it, along with ways we might carry the shift in consciousness we experienced over the past year into the rest of our lives. Spiritual self-development is a lifelong practice. When we put in this great work, we come back to ourselves and connect with our spiritual essence and purpose.Show Notes and Transcript: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/explore-your-spiritual-evolution-jennie-lee/

It’s time for another solo show where Britt explores topics that impact your enthusiasm—positively, negatively...or all of the above. “Work from home tips” was the winner in a social media poll Britt ran to see which topic listeners wanted to hear on the next solo show.Working from home is an extremely relevant topic for much of the world and many of you. Britt takes a different approach from the plethora of work-from-home tips content already in existence by not encouraging you to try to force the outdated office routine into your home. In this episode, you will explore the pros and cons of working from home with Britt to establish some foundations. Then you’ll take a deeper dive into nine work-from-home tips, so you can learn and adopt actionable steps to start overcoming any challenges you encounter in the areas of time, focus, and balance.Working from home can be serene and stressful, depending on how you approach your daily routine. You’ll walk away with many productivity improvement ideas and ways to infuse more genuine balance into your work-from-home lifestyle.Show Notes and Transcript: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/tips-for-working-from-home/

Personal Change Chef and podcast host, Bobbi Kahler, is on a mission to help others live fulfilling and authentic lives. As someone who was once told that she should not be alive, Bobbi has gone on a journey to rebuild herself and her health. When we feel empty, it’s natural to want to blame others. But what if, rather than looking outward, we looked within and realized that we already had all the solutions?Bobbi had this epiphany during what she calls her “country music year” at the age of 23. Afterward, she understood just how empowered we all are to create our realities—Bobbi knew she had to help people shape the best versions of themselves.Bobbi’s story highlights that life isn’t happening to us...it’s happening for us. We are in the driver's seat of our own lives and we have the power to decide how to interpret the gifts we are given. If we listen to ourselves and honor our needs, we are certain to find fulfillment along the way.UnYielded Podcast: http://www.bobbikahler.com/podcast/Show Notes: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/give-yourself-the-grace-bobbi-kahler/

A voice actor, singer, and audio branding enthusiast, Jodi Krangle has made a living with her voice while staying true to herself and her creative passion.In this episode, Jodi talks about her journey as a voice actor and the winding road she took to get to where she is today. She talks about pursuing your art—and how working in a related practice helps you preserve your enthusiasm and remain connected to your creativity. Our conversation also touches on making pivots, what Jodi has learned about sound during her years in the industry, and how rejection turned her career around. In Jodi’s words, “Starving artists should not be a thing.” Jodi shows us what can happen when we open up to the world around us and find interesting ways to make a living with our passion. Show Notes: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/use-your-voice-to-make-a-living-jodi-krangle/

Life coach and podcast host, Lucy Liu, is on a mission to inspire hope, optimism, and joy. Helping others live the life of their dreams is the driving force behind all that she does. In this episode, Lucy shares her experience of trying to make a name for herself as an actress while sharing a name with a famous actress—and how this coincidence diminished her confidence. Rather than living in the other Lucy Liu’s shadows, she put in the work and discovered her passion for spreading optimism along the way. Lucy discusses why it’s necessary to establish your values, set boundaries, and say no. She also shows you how to move past limiting beliefs and why failure is simply a lesson in disguise.When rocks are thrown at us, we can choose to see them as boulders in our way or pebbles that help us pave the path to our success. By applying Lucy’s advice, we can all cultivate an ability to endure tough times and thrive...no matter what life throws our way. Show Notes: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/how-to-become-an-unshakable-optimist-lucy-liu/

Kate McCulley, better known as Adventurous Kate, is the publisher of AdventurousKate.com, a renowned women’s solo travel blog. Along with being a prolific travel blogger, Kate knows how to pivot and she has adapted incredibly well to the times.When the travel industry ground to a halt, Kate made strategic decisions that have allowed her to stay connected to her enthusiasm while continually uplifting other women. Kate shares actionable tips from her Patreon course, where she teaches creatives how to leverage the platform. She also discusses the power of an engaged community, the distinction between positive and negative meditation, and what you should ask yourself if you need to make a pivot in your life. While most of us can’t say we survived a shipwreck in Indonesia like Kate, we can certainly relate to Kate’s story of perseverance after living through 2020. A year filled with disruptions and loss, 2020 forced many of us to pivot...whether we wanted to or not. Kate shows us how beautiful change can be if we flow with the changing tide. Show Notes: https://loveyourenthusiasm.com/pivot-like-you-mean-it-with-kate-mcculley/

To kick off the new year on a fresh note, we are mixing things up for the first episode of 2021 with a Love Your Enthusiasm host takeover. Britt Skrabanek is interviewed by a guest from the early days, author Victoria Dougherty, talking about being a life enthusiast. After being on the air for nearly eight months, Britt thought it was a good idea for you to get to know her a bit more by being in the guest hot seat herself. In this episode, Britt talks about holding onto your life enthusiasm and understanding the power of taking a step back to revitalize your spirit. Britt discusses how words and movement are interlinked, managing expectations and perfectionism, and the realities of paying your dues with new endeavors.Life is too beautiful and complex and full of adventures...we don’t have to settle on just one thing if we don’t want to. Being a life enthusiast is all about approaching life and everything in it with gusto. Get ready to approach this new year with a renewed sense of wonder and purpose.

Talking about 2020 is enough to make most of us want to curl up in the fetal position until the year is over. Why on earth would we want to reflect on a year that was synonymous with loss, uncertainty, and disruption? Because loss often goes hand-in-hand with beautiful and unexpected gains.In this special end-of-the-year episode, Britt talks about how this year impacted our enthusiasm and what we can take with us into 2021. As the year draws to a close, many of us are falling into the trap of thinking 2021 will automatically be better. This fragile “I’ll be happy when...” mindset not only puts pressure on us but also creates a host of unrealistic expectations. The reality is that we cannot know that a new year will signal a turning tide. So rather than putting all of our happiness eggs in one basket, we should instead use our 2020 experience as a foundation for meaningful and positive change. Take a moment to explore this idea of “hindsight is 20/20” so you don’t forget to look back and learn from your experiences before you move on.

During difficult periods, we are told to take things one day at a time. But what if even that seems like too much? Carolyn Colleen, the founder of FIERCE Network, believes that by taking things five minutes at a time, we find what serves us best. Hardships have been the name of the game this year. While it’s all too easy to write off 2020 as a total loss, Carolyn believes that by reflecting on what we have gained, we see how resilient and resourceful we really are. Carolyn talks about how struggles in her own life led her to create the Breathe, Focus, and Fierce Action (BFF) technique—and how you can use this technique to overcome adversity in your own life. Change is never going to be easy. But once you make the choice for things to be different, you understand that staying stuck is ultimately the harder thing to do. Carolyn’s approach will help you use difficult emotions as fuel to propel you forward, so you have the power and courage to keep going.

As a shark ecologist, explorer, divemaster, and one of the only women to host Shark Week 2020, Dr. Mareike Dornhege is making great strides in challenging the perception of sharks and sharing their beauty with the world.When most of us think about sharks, the likely images that come to mind are of those of monsters eating humans. However, this could not be further from the truth. As someone who loves to root for the underdog, it was natural for Mareike to be enamored by sharks. She understands that these creatures, like all living beings on earth, need to be treated with respect and care. The lessons we can learn from Mareike’s shark research and encounters extend far beyond the ocean. By having an open mind and heart—and truly trying to understand other beings—we will find beauty in the most unexpected places.

Angela Ortiz is the CEO of Place To Grow, a volunteer-led nonprofit that strives to connect and inspire a rising generation of leaders in disaster-stricken Tohoku communities. Angela believes that by embracing fear, we empower ourselves so that we may empower others. After seeing the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami, earthquake, and nuclear meltdown in Tohuku, Japan (known as 3/11), it was only by overcoming the trauma of her experience that Angela was able to take on the monumental responsibility of a social impact career. As someone who works in a vulnerable, heartbreaking, and demanding space, Angela shares thoughtful ways to care for causes and communities without sacrificing ourselves.Social impact achieves its aim when we choose to lead with empowerment. Angela will show you how to pull yourself out of a place of fear so you can empower yourself and those around you.

For Violette de Ayala, the founder of FemCity, life is truly what you make of it. When you step into your power and create your own life, the possibilities are infinite. While venturing out on your own may seem daunting, Violette believes that for women, running a business is the most powerful way to create a life on your terms. Being an entrepreneur comes with plenty of stress and overwhelm. Violette gives her take on finding balance and why we should focus on areas of happiness, health, and wealth. This is undoubtedly a time for rebirth...how you choose to move forward is your choice. Do you want to stay stuck? Or, do you want to apply the lessons you've learned to design the life you want?

Many of us don’t like to talk or think about money, but there is a direct correlation between your finances and your passion. This week Britt brings you another solo show, where she explores topics that positively and/or negatively impact your enthusiasm—this discussion is all about taking a long look at your cost of living. In this episode, Britt talks about balancing your finances to protect your enthusiasm—and why focusing only on income-generating activities will drain your time and energy reserves. Having lived and left the West Coast twice, Britt has seen firsthand how lowering your cost of living can raise your quality of life. She shares her own experience, where she lost her love for writing blogs and books to maintain a life in Portland, Oregon and how moving back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and gaining financial relief helped reignite her creative passions. Britt expands on The Wheel of Life and the Money Dial, and how to use these tools to get your finances back on track. You’ll also hear tips on prioritizing how you spend money, decreasing costs and increasing efficiency, and making a calculated decision to move to a more affordable city. It’s not about chasing money...it’s about using money as a tool. If your finances are more balanced, it’s easier to focus on your passion because you have less stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. If your finances are out of whack, it’s time to address this area in your life. And, lowering your cost of living plays an important role.

The phrase “Live your best life” gets thrown around so much that it has become devoid of any true meaning. However, today’s guest, travel writer and photographer, Alison Armstrong, is the absolute embodiment of this adage.Every day we get bombarded by hyper-curated lifestyle aspirations on social media. Alison understands our best life is not about external markers of success, but about following our inner calling. Alison expands on why even though she has made unconventional choices, these decisions never felt difficult to make. She also shares the work she has done to collapse her limiting beliefs and why we should lean into our feelings of being stuck. Living authentically means listening to your truth. Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder or live out of a suitcase, as long as you are doing what you are called to do, Alison believes you most certainly are living your best life.

For writing coach and author, Kate Johnston, creativity is the cornerstone of a joyful and fulfilled life. By tapping into her creative forces, she has learned, healed, and evolved. Kate’s approach to writing and teaching is honest and mindful. By starting from a place of self-inquiry and curiosity, writers can learn more about who they are and create from there. Kate believes we find lessons at every turn when we understand that what we are going through—either good or bad—is not the truth, but merely an experience. Kate is truly the embodiment of what it means to live a joyful creative life. Her insights into obstacles, expansion, and creation are especially affirming in light of the tough times we find ourselves in.

For self-discovery and empowerment coach, Aura Martinez, life’s greatest adventure is going within and reconnecting with ourselves. While so many of us turn to external sources to find fulfillment, nothing will ever give us the sense of peace that we get from the inner journey. This year has led many of us—perhaps reluctantly—to walk a path of self-discovery. With restrictions on activities like travel and socializing, we have started to find a deep contentedness that comes from within. Aura believes that by getting curious and listening to what we are feeling, we can journey closer to our true essence and see the most beautiful places inside. Inner work is the commitment of a lifetime. As Aura highlights, there is no relationship more important than the one you have with yourself. So you might as well do everything in your power to master yourself.

As the Founder of The Wave Podcasting, Lauren Popish has built a company that aims to help women tell their unique stories through podcasts. Not only are podcasts an incredible medium to have women’s voices heard, but it also provides an unmatched opportunity to strengthen their confidence. Lauren talks about how an intense public speaking blunder took her from an extroverted, outspoken person to someone who suddenly feared speaking up. Podcasting helped Lauren reclaim her voice. Having seen firsthand the power that starting a podcast had in transforming her own life, Lauren knew that she had to bring other women along on this incredible mindfulness journey. Lauren’s story shows that feeling vulnerable and shame are all part of the human condition. We can choose to let these difficult feelings hold us back, or we can face them head-on and turn them around, armed with more stories and lessons to share with the world.

Even though alcohol consumption has been deeply ingrained in our society for thousands of years, it’s still a taboo subject to openly talk about. This week Britt introduces a new segment on Love Your Enthusiasm, where she takes a deep dive into topics that impact your enthusiasm, either positively, negatively, or both—and this episode looks at the complex issue of alcohol. As alcohol is a substance, negative effects like hangovers, memory impairment, and sluggishness are well-documented. But have you ever considered how alcohol disrupts your time and energy?Dependency or addiction manifests differently for everyone, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and there certainly isn’t an easy button any of us can push. Britt reveals the steps that worked for her during previous alcohol breaks, including committing to a designated time period, avoiding triggers, and rewarding herself. She also talks about her own experience with drugs and alcohol, including hitting rock bottom and nearly destroying her life by the time she was 20 years old. There are numerous benefits to taking a break from alcohol. Even if you ditch alcohol for a short 30-day challenge, you’ll tune into the many positives and bonuses that happen when you trade your alcohol habit for healthier habits. It’s more of a “Why the hell not?” rather than a “Why?”

Caitlin Trainor is the Founder of Dancio, a platform that offers on-demand ballet and contemporary dance classes. Caitlin believes movement is a way for us to achieve more embodied, self-aware lives and to understand the experiences of others.In an increasingly materialistic world, Caitlin recognizes just how radical dance can be. Our society seeks to separate us from our bodies, so coming back to ourselves over and over again is an act of protest against expectations and norms. Along with sharing her journey as a creative entrepreneur, choreographer, and teacher—Caitlin explores the future of video in dance, and how movement through video will be a key tool in making teaching, rehearsing, and conditioning more effective. Although 2020 is an incredibly difficult time for dancers, Caitlin’s message is one of hope. We will always need dance—and we will keep coming back to it time and time again in whatever form we need to create.

Katrina Naomi is an award-winning poet who is here to improve the accessibility of poetry and show that poetry truly is for everyone.Katrina is not your typical poet. She didn’t grow up reading poetry, because she found it inaccessible and difficult to relate to. Later in life, when Katrina was in her thirties, she saw poetry in a different light and began to create. Along the way, she remained a realist, finding that putting in the work was even more important than seeking inspiration. Katrina’s outlook is both bold and realistic. Her vulnerability and openness around doubt and rejection demystify the often-inaccessible world of poetry. She hopes that by sharing her journey, she can prove that poetry truly is for everyone.

Ra Avis is the blogger behind the award-winning blog Rarasaur, an author of three books, and a widow who was formerly incarcerated—the practice of forgiveness is an inextricable part of Ra’s life and all that she creates. Ra Avis has lived through more than most of us will ever experience in our lifetimes. She talks about how prison allowed her to truly understand what it means to forgive and the interwoven nature of radical love and forgiveness. While most of us have an idea of what forgiveness means, Ra offers an expanded understanding that begins first and foremost with the self. Forgiveness is largely framed as an external act—but just as with love, forgiveness radiates from the inside out. Letting go requires practice, and it’s a skill that Ra believes we can all work on and strengthen over time. Ra’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when we let things go, accept ourselves with unconditional love, and find our freedom.

Jane Leach, eco-home architect and the Founder of iarchitect, is on a mission to make homes a reflection of who we are and a means of serving the planet.For Jane, eco-home architecture is about living better without feeling deprived. She wants people to live in comfortable homes that have a deep consideration of sustainability. Jane also discusses what it’s like being a woman in a male-dominated industry, her approach to time management, and the importance of having diverse voices in built environment professions. As Jane highlights, architecture is about people. Human beings are inherently diverse and have unique experiences. The work Jane is doing goes a long way in capturing the beauty of this diversity.

Translator and Co-Founder of Corylus Books, Marina Sofia, believes books are a cornerstone of connection that highlights the universal human experience. When she was 14 years old, Marina returned to her country of birth, Romania, after being at an international school where she was exposed to diverse cultures. As Romania was a dictatorship at the time, Marina was unable to speak with her friends—so she found solace in books. It was during this formative period that Marina saw just how powerful and transportive literature could be, showing worlds far beyond her own. In our increasingly polarized world, where people seem to be shouting over one another more and listening even less, Marina's story and message are timely. Writing and art allow for an unprecedented exchange between cultures, where we can not only see our similarities but cultivate an appreciation for our differences.

As the Senior Editorial Manager at Intrepid Travel, Bex Shapiro is passionate about using travel to enrich her life and make a meaningful impact.Travel, particularly the Western understanding of it, has typically been focused on the self—it is as much about the journey within as the destinations visited. Bex draws our attention to the growing movement that recognizes that for travel to be a force for good, it must be authentic, culturally immersive, and mutually beneficial for both the traveler and communities. Travel is about discovering parts of yourself you may not know yet, as well as connecting with others. While we may not be able to travel much now, Bex believes we can still cultivate kindness and compassion for ourselves and others and carry this mindfulness with us when our adventures resume.

For vegetarian chef Ashley Douglas, food is not only her creative outlet and form of self-expression but also a crucial way she connects with others. For many people, cooking can feel like a bit of a drag...Ashley is on a mission to change that. She wants to show people how to bring more fun into the kitchen and embrace their inner chefs. With a focus on feeling good inside and out, her food nourishes both body and soul. Ashley’s approach to cooking is exploratory and encouraging. Ashley reminds us that food offers a chance to tell a story about who we—and that no matter how full our plates are, we must always make room for ourselves.

Owner, Founder, and Custodian of AHKí Retreat in Costa Rica, Karen Munna is dedicated to helping and inspiring others to follow their truth. Karen followed the signs that showed her AHKí was a space people needed. It's not that she chose the path, but rather that she was open to letting the path choose her. She reflects on the collective healing journey we are all on together during the pandemic, how the old paradigm was no longer serving us, and why this moment of pause has created a space for deep reflection and heightened awareness. The journey of self-inquiry is just that...a journey, not a destination. Which is why it is essential to be kind to yourself every step of the way. By having faith that you are where you need to be, you will receive everything you need to follow your ultimate truth.

Digital content creator Meena Azzollini uses her positive thoughts and an optimistic mindset to get through life’s perceived ups and downs. These past few months have been a difficult time for all of us. As someone managing a freelance business, it would have been easy for Meena to feel deflated. Instead, through her commitment to maintaining a positive vibration, she took all of the pandemic-related shifts in stride. Meena discusses her lifelong passion for art and spirituality—along with some of her grounding practices, such as yoga, affirmations, mandalas, and working with crystals. To attract what you want in life, it starts with positive thinking to overcome limiting beliefs. Meena encourages us to vibrate at our highest frequency and attract the good we all deserve.

Eden Baylee, an author of erotica, flash fiction, and suspense, uses her fiction as a vehicle to discover truth and connect with people.Eden left a twenty-year banking career to write and now she is a full-time author with 15+titles in multiple genres. Infusing truth and reality into her work is the best way Eden knows to connect with her readers. Through her stories, she has always believed in using writing to strengthen the human connection.To keep at it, determination is key. Eden encourages you to learn from life’s lessons—but not dwell on things—and to keep doing what you love no matter how many times you face rejection or self-doubt.

Stephanie Allen is a fitness trainer, kickboxer, and freelance writer who has overcome physical injuries and tough situations by building up her strength. Stephanie was hit by a car when she was 23, giving her a permanent back injury and chronic pain. It was a long road to recovery but she was hell-bent on pulling through. Today she is able to bench press and squat about 85% of her body weight, and she has been able to return to one of her longtime fitness loves...kickboxing.Stephanie talks about getting back up and moving on by putting one foot in front of the other. She reveals her journey through various low points, how she became stronger and grew through these tough lessons. If you need a boost, Stephanie’s stories will renew your kick-ass attitude.

Sada Naegelin is a contemporary dancer and the Co-Founder of De Las Mías...community and connection always have and always will keep filling her cup.Sada first performed when she was nine years old. Continuing her passion for physicality and artistic expression as a wife and mother, she has consistently performed well into her adult years—including when she was 7-months pregnant with her daughter.Sada talks about showing up for herself, so she can show up for other people and other roles in her life. How do you fill your cup? Sada is here to motivate you to stop pushing through life and start showing up for yourself.

Juliann Wetz has always been a writer, but she found her true calling when she started sharing the magic of travel through her blog, Browsing the Atlas. Juliann first began writing stories and poems when she was seven years old. She published her first article in Child Life magazine when she was a teenager. Since then, Juliann has traveled to 39 countries and counting—including Estonia, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Liechtenstein, and Honduras—and she has kept a written record of every travel experience.Juliann discusses her evolution as a travel enthusiast, from being the person that used to do everything to slowing down and taking the time to process, reflect, and fully enjoy. The magic of travel is never lost on Juliann, and she encourages you to hold onto your love for travel as we look ahead to post-COVID times.

An advocate of the indie author movement, Victoria Dougherty has fully embraced a creative life as a full-time fiction writer who has published six books. Victoria reveals her unique perspective as a writer who has seen all sides of the political spectrum through her family’s stories. Her grandparents and her mother were political refugees from Czechoslovakia during WWII and the Cold War. Her mother’s enemy of the state file began when she was only 12 years old.One of the early indie authors, Victoria shares years of creative insights, from recognizing difficult internal patterns to marketing creative works in times of difficulty. For anyone running a creative business or wanting to take that leap, Victoria offers up a no-bullshit approach to inspire you to take a leap...and do what other people are not willing to do.

Dance advocate Kim Johnson has devoted her life to movement—and she focuses on sharing that connection through authentic and intentional teaching.Kim’s love for movement started at three years old when her dad, an avid weight lifter, brought her with him to the gym. Later in life, she became a professional dancer and teaching artist, who has performed 50+ concerts during her 20-year career. She explores the world of perfectionism and limitlessness, and how she advocates for a mindful and connected approach to movement. As our bodies age...what is too much? What is too little? What’s too much in a good way or in a bad way? Kim encourages you to listen to your body.

French adventure traveler and photographer Julie Klene of Les Petits Pas de Juls is taking life to a whole new level...living consciously.Julie has traveled to 39+ countries, lived in four countries, and she speaks four languages—French, Spanish, English, and sign language. She has traveled the world solo, backpacked through South America, attempted the ascent of Mt. Blanc three times, and skydived solo (where she opens her own parachute). Julie walks us through her choice to live consciously, to truly see things rather than take them for granted. For Julie, that means breathing and slowing down and being more mindful of her choices. And she is excited to help you shift your perspective and live more consciously.

Jennifer Edwards, the Founder of Tri Girls Rise, never saw herself as an athlete until she took a chance with triathlons later in life.From almost zero fitness, Jennifer decided she wanted to tackle triathlons at the age of 26. Although she never identified as an athlete in her life, she thought: I can do this if I try. She explains how getting into triathlons completely changed her perspective and inspired her to encourage others like her to see themselves as an athlete at any age or ability.Jennifer talks about how feeling accomplished has taken on new meaning for her, that success comes from liking yourself and what you do—even if you’re not the best at it. And she wants you to like who you are as a person and try things that scare you.

Australian travel writer Jessica Korteman of Travel Solo Anyway is on a mission to redefine solo travel for women. Jessica has circumnavigated the globe three times and traveled to 50+ countries...about half of them as a solo traveler. She shares her personal encounters with solo travel stereotypes as a female solo traveler who is married and now a new mom—including dealing with misperceptions about having “trouble in paradise” and flying off to faraway destinations to find herself. Jessica is pushing the envelope on women in travel with her latest blogging venture, Travel Solo Anyway—and she is here to encourage you to think differently about solo travel, destinations, and relationships.