Pieces of Grit

Come hang out and learn about the enneagram

There are lists for everything in life. Come hang out for this banter session and the pros, cons, and oddities of all the ways we use lists.

Nicole Jardim joins me live on Clubhouse to talk about all things women's health, periods, vaginas, and how to function at your best. Holistic health doesn't mean divorcing your doctor - it simply incorporates a much broader understanding of natural methods including CBD, nutrition, gut health, liver detox, herbs, and so many other considerations to get your body to function at its max capacity. Follow Nicole: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolemjardim/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolemjardim/ Buy her Book, Fix Your Period My latest course, The Social Media Accelerator, is available now and will help you with social media tools and strategies to grow your following and increase conversions.

Interested in connecting with Melissa? Find her @mel.glaze on Instagram. If you own a business or run a side hustle, elevate your social media game with my latest course: The Social Media Accelerator for Businesses. Pre-register at https://copper-hive-consulting.newzenler.com/f/social-media-marketing-strategy for early access and discounts!

As women we work hard not to compare ourselves to each other. We know we shouldn't and that it's unhealthy, but it's always easier said than done.  Mikala has taken a break from social media and I (Rachel) am more obsessed than ever! Careers, parenting, relationships, faith, mental health and much more are all impacted by what we see on the grid. What would it look like if we STOPPED playing the comparison game and learned to live as ourselves??? Relationship goals are tough because two people with very different everythings are working to make a life together. Relationship challenges are as unique as snowflakes. The nuances are impossible to list, so stop aspiring to be something you saw on the Hallmark Channel or Disney+. No matter what kind of relationship you are in, you are the boss of you and get to decide what your life looks like. Word of the Year We also talk about our words for the year and how they are coming to life already, just a few weeks into the new year. We would love to hear your word of the year and how that's going for you so far. Find us below and check out some of our recommended resources:  Rachel IG: @rachelthestewart TikTok: @rachelstewart_sd Twitter: @rachelstewartsd Clubhouse: @rachelstewart1 Mikala IG: @mikalanicole Resources Relationship Goals by Michael Todd Chaos Clarified by Rachel Stewart Healthy Relationships My One Word

Find more resources at www.piecesofgrit.com  One of the most popular episodes, here is my conversation with Lana Kairos. Everyone has pieces of their true self they hide or dismiss. But what if getting to know your core identity was the key to unleashing your potential? This is the first step to being a better version of you. All you need to experience success is already inside you. It just takes work and often a little guidance to bring that out.  Lana challenges us to identify our core values in the process of achieving our potential.  Success is unique to each person and as we embrace our inner selves, success may mean something different than we originally thought. Feelings ARE reality. At least where you are in the moment. Allow yourself to feel the good and the bad, then use those emotions to trace back to the beliefs associated with them.  Once you identify the beliefs, you can choose to keep or replace them.  This is where the benefits of authenticity have a chance to redirect your path. Inst: @thebiglifecoach web: lanakrtolica.com

Follow Rachel & Mikala to stay up to date on resources and events through Pieces of Grit @rachelthestewart @mikalanicole Abby had been a world travel, living and teaching abroad, adventuring as she worked out her personal identity and navigated the aftermath of a broken engagement and relational trauma. She met and married the love of her life, they were settling in to a new city, she was building her career and working on her personal growth, then came the blow of the century. Diagnosed with a form of cancer so rare her initial oncologist wouldn't even treat her. After being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, she started chemotherapy within 48 hours and spent 21 straight days in the hospital. She has just started a new teaching job, Abby had also recently stepped into a leadership role with the youth at her church and now she had to not only lead herself down this path, but was setting an example of faith for all of these kids through her leadership. I have loved watching Abby through this season. Barely 30 years old she speaks with wisdom and grace. An enneagram type 2, she is also learning how to focus on her well-being and health. I could fill a book with the takeaways she shares. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did recording it. Resources Chaos Clarified Workbook Honest Enneagram Rich Bitch     00000239 00000239 00009E3D 00009E3D 00181AD1 00181AD1 00007E86 00007E86 0016DD92 0016DD92

January 2020 CONTEST: Anytime during the month of January, leave a review on iTunes and let us know at @rachelthestewart. You'll be entered to win a copy of Chaos Clarified SHOW NOTES It's the last day of 2020! How relieved are you?! If you have never explored choosing a word of the year, maybe this is the year for you to pick up this great practice. A word of the year provides a theme for the year instead of a specific goal. This creates flexibility in whatever you do, whether you are hoping to take your career to the next level, improve a relationship, increase your self awareness, and so many other areas of personal development. For all the hopes you have for a new year, this is the foundation to keep you focused and moving forward as a woman and a leader. FOLLOW US!! @rachelthestewart @mikalanicole RESOURCES Chaos Clarified by Rachel Stewart Think, Learn, Succeed by Caroline Leaf My One Word Myoneword.org openbible.org       000001BB 000001BB 00003CD4 00003CD4 002B4D00 002B4D00 00007E86 00007E86 002B4CE6 002B4CE6  

Carl Lentz isn't the first megachurch pastor to wear skinny jeans, tight button down shirts, or cheat on his spouse. So where is this problem coming from and how do we as both leaders and church members change what is happening? There is also a definite double standard toward female church leaders and females in any visibly position. Our conversation was instigated by an article written by Katelyn Beaty, which you can find HERE. Also, here is the book Katelyn wrote, A Woman's Place. Instagram Mikala @mikalanicole Rachel @rachelthestewart Get in touch with us at Pieces of Grit if you want to connect just to chat, share your experiences, ask a question, or get a little coaching. We love meeting new women and joining you on your journey. Rachel Stewart is a marketing consultant at Copper Hive Consulting. Mikala is a realtor with Redfin in San Diego. Each have more than ten years of experience in church leadership and are passionate about supporting women in ministry.

As a followup to our conversation about Kamala Harris, we invited someone with a very different perspective to talk to us. We had to reschedule at the last minute, but since we were already on a call might as well record, right? I (Rachel) just took a 23andMe.com DNA test and was surprised by Brooks' results. Mikala has taken one, too, so we cover a little of that. Which led to Angelina Jolie and what you would do if you knew you had a likelihood of getting cancer or you were actually diagnosed with cancer. Instagram Mikala @mikalanicole Rachel @rachelthestewart Resources 23&Me Test Ancestry DNA Test

Mikala suggested discussing calling and I just about gagged. Knowing that we disagreed on this topic and how the church has put so much pressure on women to find their "calling", we decided to jump into this conversation without knowing any details about what the other was going to say. Find us on social media and let us know your perspective on calling and the experience you've had in finding that calling. Instagram Mikala @mikalanicole Rachel @rachelthestewart Resources Callings Callings by Greg Michael Levoy Callings by William C. Placher

There has been a lot of negativity coming from people who didn't vote for Kamala Harris. I'm surprised it came from women, so Mikala and I decided to discuss how breaking glass ceilings and being the first in any area is both challenging and rewarding. As women of faith we are excited to see progress being made in leadership opportunities and happy for whoever is the one breaking those ceilings.

Piecesofgrit.com is where you can find blogs and resources to challenge yourself to learn more about who you are and how to take the next steps down whatever path you are on. Finding Clarity in the Chaos by Rachel Stewart is available on Amazon now. This interactive workbook will help you peel back the layers of life to discover core values, your personal mission statement, strengths and more. Through this introspective deep dive you'll create a framework through which you can filter life's choices and decisions. Jory Micah Jory completed an AA in Practical Theology, a BS in Church Ministries and an MA in Biblical Studies with an emphasis on Christian Doctrine and Church History. She wrote her master’s thesis on female leadership in the first and second centuries of the Christian Church, using the Bible as her primary source. She is a sold-out follower of Christ and has made it her mission to tell others about His amazing, non-judgmental love, as well as His radical counter-cultural empowerment of women & girls (Read my master’s thesis here). She is a traveling speaker & minister as well as a female pastor & writer. She advises & supports women and men of all different ages online via skype or phone on all things life & online platform building (email her @jorymicah@gmail.com if you are interested in setting up an appointment). Explore her website for more details on my speaking & my Christian advice and support business. Find Jory on social media. She is @jorymicah across all platforms. Resources Developing Female Leaders A Woman's Place  Women in Ministry: Four Views

Explore all our resources on grit, faith and feminism at piecesofgrit.com. Follow Mikala on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram We cover all the things about being uncomfortable, from Mike Pence's fly friend to sweating over a crush. More importantly, how does this connect to our faith and what does God say about being uncomfortable? Being uncomfortable might not sound like fun, but it can push you to deeper self introspection, personal growth, and life improvements. Resources Bright Line Eating Liturgy of the Ordinary Leonard Sweet: So Beautiful Celebration of Discipline

00000262 00000262 000032F8 000032F8 0004557D 0004557D 00007F8D 00007F8D 00047849 00047849 Jessie Cruickshank and her Harvard degree stopped by to talk about the winding path in life that leads us to wherever we currently are. It's never a straight line and even the greatest plans usually don't happen the way we expect. yourbrainbyjess.com A few other resources to get you through the last 90 days of 2020! 90-Day Goal Planner Finding Clarity in the Chaos

We should have many more women working in construction - the multi-tasking, the creativity, the customer service. GC Stephanie Sharp is changing the face of the construction industry. As an architect, realtor, and General Contractor, she serves high end clients in Utah building custom homes. She shares why this is a viable career option for women and how it compares to other trade industries. Stephanie is setting the bar for women to find their place in the construction industry. As an architect and General Contractor she lives in a male dominated world, but knows the balance her perspective and approach brings to each project. In the ever-changing landscape of the job market for young adults she advocates for trades as a viable alternative to a traditional four-year degree. It’s important that women understand all the options available to them as they finish high school and try to determine their next steps. It hasn’t been easy for Stephanie, with serious medical issues throughout her life and pursuing multiple careers that intertwine to give her an edge as a professional woman. Follow her and watch as she continues to change the space for women entering construction. Follow Stephanie on Instagram Pieces of Grit Tip Jar Other Resources Chaos Clarified Book by Rachel Stewart Downloadable Worksheets

It doesn't matter if we are in a pandemic, if you provide value to your company you need to paid what you are worth. Take a listen and prepare for that conversation.  Tip Jar for Pieces of Grit - show us some love! Other Resources Ask for More Negotiating the Sweet Spot Copper Hive Consulting: Nonprofit Development & Marketing

Oneya Okuwobi, author, doctoral candidate, wife, pastor, and mother, joined a Zoom call with some of the show's listeners who requested time with her to open up about some of the questions they have regarding race. The questions hit on a variety of topics, so be sure you catch the whole thing. Watch the YouTube version. Support Oneya's church: 21st Century Church in Cincinnati Oneya's book: Multiethnic Conversations

There aren’t a lot of notes, so just listen. :) Visit www.piecesofgrit.com/resources for more resources to help you on your journey of personal development. Hey, throw a little tip toward Pieces of Grit to say thanks and help keep the show going. Chaos Clarified Book by Rachel Stewart Compliment Resources Compliment Notepad 56 Compliment Cards

There aren’t a lot of notes, so just listen. :) Visit www.piecesofgrit.com/resources for more resources to help you on your journey of personal development. Hey, throw a little tip toward Pieces of Grit to say thanks and help keep the show going. Chaos Clarified book Resources to save and budget your money Dave Ramsey How to Save Money

Theresa and her family knew they wanted to leave Southern California at some point. They stumbled onto a vacant freemason temple in a small midwest town and fell in love.  Paranormal sightings are not unusual, but it's par for the course with this adventurous woman. Their goal is to not only renovate this historic building, but create space for the community and become hub for connection among their neighbors. Follow Theresa's journey: Free Mason to Mansion Facebook Pieces of Grit Downloads Life Purpose Worksheet Other Resources Paranormal Encounters Ghosts

There aren’t a lot of notes, so just listen. :) Visit www.piecesofgrit.com/resources for more resources to help you on your journey of personal development. Hey, throw a little tip toward Pieces of Grit to say thanks and help keep the show going. Chaos Clarified book Gritty Downloads Resources for Tough Conversations Have That Difficult Conversation Dare to Lead

There aren’t a lot of notes, so just listen. :) Visit www.piecesofgrit.com/resources for more resources to help you on your journey of personal development. Hey, throw a little tip toward Pieces of Grit to say thanks and help keep the show going. The Five Love Languages

Mikala is back on the show to talk about her journey with anxiety, especially the difference pre-COVID and now in the ongoing pandemic. We get into "quarantine-shaming" and all the judgy things people do. My Latest Book Chaos Clarified - A workbook to detangle your life Resources Is It Weird In Here or Is It Just Me? (book) Get Out of Your Head (Jennie Allen) BadAss Ways to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks  Facebook Groups Anxiety Support General Anxiety Disorder Support More resources at Pieces of Grit  

There aren’t a lot of notes, so just listen. :) Visit www.piecesofgrit.com/resources for more resources to help you on your journey of personal development. Hey, throw a little tip toward Pieces of Grit to say thanks and help keep the show going.

There are no notes. Just listen! Chaos Clarified Support Pieces of Grit More at www.piecesofgrit.com 

Courtney is a pastor in Atlanta, Ga. Proudly touting her age, she has seen a lot during her 65 years. Through our simple and candid conversation (I have been choosing not to plan these conversations ahead of time) you can hear her perspective on moving forward.  There are changes we all need to make, no matter what your color is. We need to live with greater intentionality, understanding, and open hearts. To learn more about Courtney's church and ministry in Atlanta, visit the Word of Faith website. You can find the full show notes, including other resources at www.piecesofgrit.com/podcast/courtney  

There aren’t a lot of notes, so just listen. :) Visit www.piecesofgrit.com/resources for more resources to help you on your journey of personal development. Hey, throw a little tip toward Pieces of Grit to say thanks and help keep the show going. Resource of the Day: Send someone a compliment

There aren’t a lot of notes, so just listen. :) Visit www.piecesofgrit.com/resources for more resources to help you on your journey of personal development. Hey, throw a little tip toward Pieces of Grit to say thanks and help keep the show going.

Oneya has been a voice in my life for a few years, normalizing the word racist, teaching me to move beyond inclusion and into justice and healing. Her research and her book have spurred me to further reading and understanding. Oneya and her husband are church planters in Cincinnati, working to repair the racial divide. Please consider supporting Oneya's mission in Cincinnati and definitely read her book. Oneya's Church 21st Century Church Her Book: Multi-ethnic Conversations Oneya's first appearance on Pieces of Grit. There are a lot of great resources listed here U-Curve Tool Support the Pieces of Grit Podcast with a tip. Always find more resources at www.piecesofgrit.com/resources  

There are no notes. Just listen! Chaos Clarified Guidebook Support Pieces of Grit More at www.piecesofgrit.com Resources: Yoga for Stress Relief  

There are only a few notes. Just listen! :) Chaos Clarified Guidebook More at www.piecesofgrit.com Support Pieces of Grit Resources: Perfecting Patience

Support Pieces of Grit Purchase Chaos Clarified Meredith and I have been friends for almost 30 years. We like to joke that we are the OG virtual workforce, learning to do school as homeschoolers in the 1990s. Meredith has a lot of experience providing leadership coaching in the political and professional realm. Now that she is in a new phase of life - she just got married! - she is shifting gears professionally and taking her coaching out on her own, working with individuals all over the country. Tips for Employees working remotely: Create systems Have a morning ritual Set up your office well Have an "OFF" button OVER-communicate Tips for Managers working remotely: - Hire trustworthy employees - Utilize a coach to facilitate the new environment - Be a coach-centered leader - Don't count hours! Consciousness = Awareness Conscious Leadership means being a leader aware of yourself and others. Contact Meredith: LinkedIn Website   Patreon Membership for bonus material and insight into upcoming interviews. Other Resources 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership Conscious Coaching (for Leaders)

You'll find very few notes. It's short, just listen! Chaos Clarified Guidebook  Support Pieces of Grit Resources: Emotional Intelligence

I reached out to several women in business to find out what they are doing that they might not otherwise have done without the quarantine. I spoke with teachers, entrepreneurs, hair stylists, and newly homeschooling moms. This quarantine season has struck each person in a different way and I love seeing how people are capturing the opportunities in front of them. Take advantage of whatever is in front of you, committing to personal development, health in every area of life, and challenging yourself to be better today than you were yesterday. Coronavirus may change life forever, but hopefully women find strength and peace during COVID-19. There is a resilience that comes with tough seasons and it reveals the character we have and the positive qualities we have and that we need to develop. Check out www.piecesofgrit.com for more resources to amplify your life. Pieces of Grit is designed to challenge you to dream big, expand and clarify your personal vision, and to offer life coaching, perfect during this season of opportunity to pivot. The podcast and the blog will provide resources for you to use and share. Other resources: Chaos Clarified by Rachel Stewart  The Moment of Lift: https://amzn.to/3bndbEH Secrets of 6-Figure Women: https://amzn.to/2XO43Fc When Life Takes a Left Turn: https://www.piecesofgrit.com/blog/urb... Patreon - Get access HERE to more content and bonus material from Pieces of Grit.

Support Pieces of Grit Hannah is one of the most beautiful people I know - inside and out.   She spent years in Africa helping young moms have safer pregnancies and births. Part of the work she did there was to encourage young women to continue their education and develop confidence to work for themselves and believe that more is possible for them than past generations of Ugandan women.   She is currently living in the U.S., but continues to advocate for women in Africa.   Follow her and see what sparks in your heart. IG: Beautyfromashesug FB: Hannah Hems Resources: Chaos Clarified: Making a Path Through the Tangle of Life Awake: Doing a World of Good One Person At a Time

My newest book: Chaos Clarified Every aspect of life requires us to be and stay on track. We have to eat well. We have to feed my emotional and spiritual health. This means quiet time in the morning reading, meditating, or praying. It means planning intentional time with friends because even us introverts need people every once in a while. And choosing well the people we hang out with so that it is a mutually refreshing time. And we have to relax every once in a while. The key to success is a healthy routine. But when you get into a good routine, how do you keep it from becoming a rut? I started thinking about the fine line between routine and rut. What separates them and how do you keep from turning a routine into a rut? A couple of resources are linked below to give you a little more to read and ponder, but I think one of the biggest differences is that routine has purpose and meaning and a rut is empty actions. What was the last goal you got excited about? Let’s say all virus restrictions are lifted and this fun and healthy routine you implemented with a very specific purpose feels like an activity you need to continue. The days or weeks pass, the kids don’t want to help anymore, your neighbors don’t say thank you as often, and now that you have resumed a few more activities, the time it takes to go through the motions feels laborious. These bagels (https://ketokarma.com/how-to-make-keto-bagels-recipe/) had a lot of flax seed, psyllium husk and almond butter. I’m a big almond butter fan - always have it on hand - but it’s a ton of calories and I know I need to watch myself.  Experimentation began with removing half of the almond butter and replacing with some banana. Not bad. The bagels came out very fluffy and airy, more like a dinner roll. That’s okay, on to the next attempt. Having spent many years eating (and attempting to eat) paleo, I’ve made a LOT of recipes with sweet potatoes. Naturally, my next round of bagels subbed half of the almond butter with half of a sweet potato. I also removed a bit of the flax seed because who needs flax seed AND psyllium husk??? That was a keeper and is now a weekly routine.  This routine has meaning for me. It gives me a grain-free breakfast option to have alone with my coffee or to make a bagel sandwich, which I have an oddly high obsession with. A single bagel fills me up with all the fiber, helping me achieve my nutrition goals (on the days I don’t eat a bag of tortilla chips). A breakfast rut on the other hand is when I wake up, have nothing prepared and end up munching on something I definitely don’t need. It’s easy and requires nothing of me, but always leaves me tired (because it’s usually carb-heavy) and frustrated. There isn’t any purpose or meaning behind this type of a rut. When I find myself in a place like this I have to pause and ask a few questions. What would I rather be doing? Why am I choosing to be/stay in a rut? What is my purpose for changing up my habit? How can I shift into a new routine? There are often more questions to helping me get back on track in a healthy way, but these will get you started. So where are you today? Are you in a healthy routine? (I mean mentally and emotionally, not just physically.)  Or are you stuck in a rut, without purpose or meaning to your choices and actions? IF you want to see a change, go back and listen to those four questions again. Maybe write them down somewhere. You are the boss of you and the only one who can effect positive change in your life. And you’re stronger than you think. I am not a cheerleader and I’m not trying to pump you up and be your motivational speaker. But I have learned from my own life and have observed in every woman around me - you can do whatever you set your mind to. Choose well. I have resources on the website that will help you move in the right direction, to clarify chaos in your life, to create a life purpose statement, to challenge you to develop grit.  www.piecesofgrit.com Thank you for letting me be part of your life and share mine with you. Hey, go get out there today and find a way to amplify your life! Resources Chaos Clarified - My book! Atomic Habits by James Clear Patreon - Get bonus content from me each month Blogs to read: https://scottpauley.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/your-habits-routine-or-rut/ https://www.themuse.com/advice/7-signs-youre-stuck-in-a-rut-and-need-to-make-a-change-today

Kerri Jeter is an Army veteran with a wild upbringing and a unique journey through the military. She has been a public affairs officer, an OCS trainer (you’ll understand what that means after you listen), and competed and won the Ms. Veteran America competition. Now she is advocating for female vets and creating a safe place for them to process and heal. Freedom Sisters unites women from all over the country to share the common experience of life in the military. Check this episode out and follow Kerri as her path expands. Patreon - become a member Redeeming Love (book) by Francine Rivers Freedom Sisters Kerri on Facebook

I have no notes for this. Mikala and I jumped on together to banter about getting older and realizing that things you used to do easily don't stay with you if you don't practice. There are also a ton of annoying things that maybe should never happen in the first place. On a slightly more serious note, all of this came out of the quarantine season, realizing that we wanted to be intentional with our time and either try something new or resurrect something old. Mikala and I both hope that you are definitely finding a source of peace during this, but also prioritizing what you want to take with you and what you want to leave behind.

However you find yourself leading through this season, Jenni offers great insight into up-leveling your game.  Here are a few of the tips she offered for self-assessment and motivation: Crisis can lull us out of complacency Crisis can make both your strengths and weaknesses more obvious Always keep tweaking Essential staff, duties, and responsibilities will rise to the surface Practice flexibility and resilience Name your current reality Finding a new normal (Nothing is actually normal) Ways to navigate through crisis with a team: Find a rhythm of communication, support and connection Focus on being more intentional about visibility Be sensitive to each individual’s dynamics Be flexible Contact Jenni Get4Sight IG: @jennicatron LinkedIN Books Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat by Bruce Daisley Just Lead by Jenni Catron    

As a first-generation high school graduate and college student, Kenyetta navigated many barriers in order to have a chance at life outside of socioeconomic disadvantage. Growing up in poverty, she didn't know what an entrepreneur was, but she knew there were people and families who were able to escape the oppression of poverty by owning businesses. From the local grocers, banks, dollar stores, and restaurants, she drew her life’s inspiration.  Never thinking she would become a business owner, she simply knew she wanted to help others. Ambition Evolve was born as a dream to help women everywhere pivot in life and move on to bigger and better opportunities. Kenyetta combines her corporate and leadership experience with her background in psychology to help people overcome mental barriers and other internal aspects holding them back from unleashing who they are. This millennial will challenge you to rethink what you are currently doing and dream a little bigger. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can influence those around you at any age. Kenyetta shares her tips and tricks on making an impact in every environment. Visit Patreon for more of Kenyetta’s strength on leading as a millennial and why not everyone fits the sometimes negative stereotypes. https://www.patreon.com/piecesofgrit https://www.ambitionevolve.com/about Facebook @ambition_evolve Resources Secrets of Six-figure Women Essential Communication How to Influence

This was an impromptu conversation with my good friend Mikala. Everyone is processing a lot of different emotions as we maneuver through each phase of this virus, then what our life will be when it eases up. I'm not good at finding and processing my emotions, so I have to put a lot of effort into it and be intentional in feeling and connecting.  Mikala handles everything in a different way, so it was great to chat with her and challenge you to find healthy ways to get it all out. For other episodes Mikala has been on and resources to help you through this season, visit the show page HERE. Resources Master Your Emotions (book) Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (book) Mind Changing Habit of Journaling (journal)

I first learned that a period coach was even a thing just a year ago. I spent so many years of my life believing that symptoms I had around pms and my period were just a fact of life. When I discovered that all the horrible things we are told are normal (cramps, nausea, headaches) do not have to be part of our lives, my mind was blown. I met Courtney and was an instant fan. She’s had a fun and adventurous life, has worked at Whole Foods (which is what I’m going to do in my next life), and is now committed to helping women achieve their best level of health. Some of the topics today: 4 stages of a woman’s cycle Sex & your cycle Misconceptions about periods and pms Stigmas we have grown up with The role of blood sugar on your hormones Caffeine’s impact on women Setting boundaries Speaking your mind Courtney is offering a free 30-min consultation for listeners of this podcast You can connect with her at the following www.courtneytitus.com IG: @whynotwellness BONUS Material on Patreon Become a member of my Patreon group.

Don’t get old. Seriously. On a Saturday about six months ago I did a normal weekend 20-mile run. That run had a lot of hills and I knew I would feel it later. Unfortunately, the “feeling” I got the next day didn’t leave. For the first time in my life I developed a soft tissue injury in my knee. A tendon or ligament had been aggravated and overused. I spent weeks setting up doctors appointments with various doctors and eventually ended up working with a physical therapist. Each doctor and therapist would test both my strength and flexibility throughout different parts of my lower body to determine where the weakness originated. It is soooo helpful to have someone else help identify your weak points. This is why I love all the therapy - physical therapy, spiritual directors, psychologists, whatever.  The best part is that they don’t just point out your weakness, but they help you get stronger. I specifically need my knee to be resilient and hurry in the recovery process. Although I’m impatient, I have learned so much about resilience during this season.  I have to get strong  I go to the gym, I do all the exercises the therapist assigned. As I got stronger, I was very aware that it wasn’t enough to focus on that single aspect.  2.   I also have to develop flexibility Now that I was getting stronger, I had to remember to stretch and maintain flexibility.  Resilience is having a balance of both strength and flexibility.  Resilience is revealed under pressure.  That means it takes a challenging event, a tough situation, or a rough season to expose how resilient you are and teach you where you need to strengthen and where you need to stretch. You face these all the time. You have relationships in your life. You have jobs. You have your own fears and growth to deal with. Have you ever had a thought when you’re in the middle of something tough that you can’t handle it, you want out, or why is this happening to you? Those are the moments that resilience is being both revealed and developed. The next time you find yourself feeling like you’re about to break, lean into it. I know that sounds crazy, but whatever “it” is will not break you. It will shape you and become a part of your story for better or worse, but you can handle it. A few tried and true practices for developing resilience: - Make sure you have someone to talk to. Get these things outside of you. - Exercise. Get fresh air. Change your literal perspective. - Make an effort to do something kind for someone. Best way to elevate your mood. - Journal. Meditate. Find a practice that works for you. - Muscles tear before they get stronger. Each day that you feel torn or broken down, remember that you are getting stronger. Be a great rubber band. Be able to stretch reeeeeealllly far Be strong enough not to break and hold together whatever you need to hold together Be a rubber band. Every time I share a solo episode, my hope is that these become more than just rambling, inarticulate words. My own struggles and the lessons I’ve learned can be tools for you to become who you are meant to be. It doesn’t mean you won’t have to walk through the similar seasons and experience growing pains, but you will know that you are not alone and be reminded that life is full of stretching and strengthening. Be sure to visit the show notes and browse through resources I’ve shared there. Even though I would love to have a conversation with each of you, I feel like the resources I’m able to share are a close second. They are usually items I’ve incorporated into my own life that have helped me in my personal development. I share them because I believe you have the potential to be so much more and that knowledge will be power for you. Get out there, own your resilience and amplify your life!

These two women are leading and empowering other women to be themselves. It is true that we lead differently than men. It doesn’t mean it’s better - it’s just different. Maria is a somatic coach (and she was on Episode 6) and Louise has a diverse background, including time as a high school principal and public speaker. They now lead retreats in gorgeous destinations to help women do personal development work and learn to connect with who they are to be the most impactful in whatever their chosen path is. Check out newaveleaders.com for information on their upcoming retreats! Here is an excerpt from their website to give you a sneak peek! Leaders are never content with the status quo; they’re committed to growth. The truth is who you are today isn’t who you were last year, nor does it have to be who you will be tomorrow. On this retreat, you can develop the leader you want to be. By the end of our time together, you will have: Increased self-awareness Clarity of values and purpose Commitment to new action Embodied practices to support your commitment A new community to share in your journey They also have great resources on their website, so check it out. For a little more behind the scenes with Maria and Louise, become a Patreon member. You’ll be the first to know about upcoming guests and topics, plus have access to bonus material. For more pieces of grit and some of my favorite resources, go to the show’s page at piecesofgrit.com!

The Details You are probably an expert at defining success according to what you see around you. At the least, you can identify “success” as it is dictated to you by Instagram and the public personas you see of people in your life. But what does success mean for you?  If you listen to the voice deep in your soul and learn to follow its leading, THAT is success. Brooke Lee speaks to women all over the country encouraging them to get in touch with who they were created to be, get honest with themselves and be obedient to what they know is the right path for them. We are talking about boundaries, rest, the hustle of being an entrepreneur, what it’s like to be a woman in ministry, plus all the adventures of Brooke’s life. Follow Brooke: https://www.godlovesallofme.org Instagram Other Resources Obedience Over Hustle  When Less Becomes More Check out other resources at Pieces of Grit Patreon - the place to get extra resources, bonus interview clips, and more.

Cultural slavery is happening in many countries, forcing women into slavery in order to provide for their families. It is a terrible epidemic that we, as women with a lot of freedom, should be reminded of frequently. The majority of the western world is incredibly lucky and while I usually choose to celebrate all that we have available to us, it’s time to look outward and help someone else. Noel is the president of World Help and is leading the charge in providing education and freedom to communities all over the world. Don’t just listen, but really hear what this woman has to say and let your soul be shaken for women around the globe. Visit World Help  Noel's Website Follow Noel Yeatts on Instagram Patreon - the place to get bonus material on every interview and other resources from Pieces of Grit. Other Resources AWAKE book by Noel Yeatts  Love Does A book that will challenge you to approach people with renewed compassion. FREE Life Purpose Worksheet  More at piecesofgrit.com

The Secret of Relaxation(Pursuing Excellence Instead of Perfection) There’s always a temptation to achieve perfection. But at what cost? Perfection can suck the life out of you and kill any chance of enjoyment. No matter what you portray on the outside, you’ll never relax on the inside if perfection is the trophy you desire. Brooks recently asked me what percentage of families did I think had drama-free holidays. That is an idealized myth that doesn’t exist. It doesn’t all look the same, but every family has their own version of imperfection.  There is no such thing as perfection in any area of our lives. If you think it’s possible for yourself or you assume it exists in someone else’s life, you are sorely mistaken. And you will drive yourself crazy obsessing over the pursuit of perfection. Perfection is defined as being free from flaws or defects. If you are a human, guess what? You have flaws and defects. It follows within reason that an imperfect person can not produce anything perfect.  Let’s refocus the lens and strive for excellence. Excellence demands the best from you and stretches your capacity. Developing excellence takes work and focus, but it’s simple. Here are four areas of focus that will set you on a trajectory toward living a life of excellence. Self-confidence. You must learn to believe in yourself. Everyone has strengths and admirable qualities. If you aren’t sure what yours are, ask people around you to identify the strengths they see in you. Once you identify things you love or excel at, do them! Let your confidence build. Be a life-long learner. Expand on your current skills. Learn new things when you have time. Social media and YouTube make it impossible to have even a single excuse not to learn anything. I took a writing course by Malcolm Gladwell on MasterClass.com and I took a course on life coaching from Udemy. I am getting my master degree because it’s something I’ve wanted for over ten years, but learning doesn’t have to come from formal education. Stretch your boundaries. Do things occasionally that challenge you to do more than you’ve ever done before. When I started Copper Hive Consulting, the business consulting and management company I run for churches and nonprofits I had never specifically done that thing, but I knew that over a decade of working in the church and non-profit sector had given me the tools and capacity to continue helping other organizations develop sustainable ministry practices. Surround yourself with the best. One of my favorite podcasters, John Lee Dumas, constantly reminds listeners that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Stop and think about that for a minute. Are the people you’re spending time with feeding into your ambition? Are they giving you honest feedback, both positive and constructive? There is no need to live in the tension of perfectionism. Relax, knowing that you’ll never be perfect and that there is a better pursuit. One you can actually attain. Be the best version of you and give 100% every day, every time. Patreon Membership John Lee Dumas - EOFire Relaxation Tools Weighted Blanket  Essential Oil Diffuser Sound Machine The Little Book of Mindfulness 5 Ways to Achieve Personal Excellence   Find even more resources at Pieces of Grit.

Annie Weiss ran the Badwater 135 race this year. Running that race sounds like the hardest thing anyone would willingly choose to do. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never run a step in your life. Relationships, careers, parenting, and trauma all push us to our limits at one point or another. Check out Annie's last interview on Episode 23 You find yourself dreaming about the future and all its possibilities. Or maybe you are living in the moment and can’t figure out how to stay in touch with the big picture. It’s a tension most of us live in, pulling us side to side.  If you’re not dying, why stop? It sounds extreme, but it’s true. Whether you’re following a plan or following a whim, go hard. Find Annie on Instagram Annie’s advice on setting intentions: Reflect on the past Think ahead Keep your goals broad (allow for some wiggle room) Favorite Quotes by Annie: “All my mistakes put me where I am today.” “We have to set goals knowing our why.” Brian’s Blog - www.runningwanderer.com Annie’s Book  Patreon Membership - get access to bonus clips and interview sneak peeks. Other Resources Getting to Good  The Untethered Soul Article Find so much more at Pieces of Grit

Blind Spots You know how you don’t know what you don’t know? You don’t have to live that way. A couple ways to look at this: the things you do all the time with no self-awareness that everyone else around you knows already The things you aren’t doing that you don’t know you’re missing It’s scary. Brene Brown covers things like this in her books and if you haven’t read her stuff, you should. She wrote a blog in 2018 about leading from hurt vs. leading from heart. We have to do the hard work of self-examination to determine if our lack of self-awareness is contributing to the way we lead or if the way we are leading is creating the low level of self-awareness. If we lead from hurt we will most likely be closed off to insight from others. It becomes an energy-suck for us AND the people around us because of the tension and distance it creates. We need to not just allow people to speak into our lives, we need to encourage them to do it. I really should do it more often. I’m working on it because I do get worried about what people will say, but I’m never going to uncover my blind spots if I keep my hand over my eyes. Playing it safe is usually our default, right? Although I like feedback, I find myself asking people in my life to provide this insight who I know are going to be kind, even in the areas of improvement. I have also found myself waiting until the end of seasons to have these conversations. That way, if there is anything too terrible it’s no longer front and center in our relationship and I can work on it quietly or disregard if I don’t agree. I have never received any feedback that I couldn’t see manifesting in my life.  I want so badly to know my blind spots. I think. As I said, it’s still scary. Here are a few ways for you to uncover your blind spots. We are heading into 2020, which is going to have so many themes and memes about clear vision. I didn’t plan this episode around that - it just popped into my head. But we need it. Don’t feel like you need to try all of these at once. One step at a time. Choose one practice to implement and go from there. Self-reflection. All of these take time, so you’re going to have to carve out some time to be quiet and alone. As we look for our blind spots, one of the places those show up most frequently is in conflict. Think back to a situation that didn’t go as planned. Get brutal - analyze it, break it down, think through as many details as you can. Be sure you focus on yourself. Don’t worry as much about what other people did unless it points to something within yourself you need to notice. Think about questions such as: What skills would be helpful for me to learn? What patterns am I noticing in myself? Am I causing a pattern of response in others? What feelings did I have? (defensiveness, anger, etc.) 2. Strengths Assessment. We all have strengths. And all of those strengths have a downside. I am a fairly organized person. I say fairly, but some people view me as OCD because it’s all relative. I need to be aware of this. Objectivity is my middle name. I relish my ability to stand back and assess a situation without emotional connection. I’m guessing you already know the downside of this. You probably have someone in your life who is similar. This goes two ways: 1. When you present one side of an argument, I immediately see the other side because I’m always looking for the max number of logical perspectives. How annoying, right? I have to be sooo careful because it looks like I’m arguing. All the time. 2. It can look like I don’t care. By not care, I mean that I’m not genuinely invested in the outcome or peoples feelings or even how I feel. I do care. Otherwise I wouldn’t be engaging with you over this situation. But I LOOK like I don’t care and that is the piece of honesty I need to come to terms with it. It’s an easy blind spot that I have to keep an eye on all the time. So look at your own strengths, the potential downsides of those, and how you might be coming across to others. 3. Feedback and Accountability I put these two together because I think they go hand in hand. Get feedback regularly and from a variety of people in your life. Honestly, I’m sharing some advice that I’m very new to implementing. What would it look like for you to consistently have someone in your life who helped you see how you came across? A coworker or friend who is with you for a large portion of the day and could help you see how your words and body language were impacting others in the room. This is the terrifying part for me. I also think it’s hard to find someone who will do this for you and be as honest as you need them to be. My current boss and I have made small steps toward this kind of transparency and I appreciate that so much. But even that level of open dialogue takes time, despite that fact that we have been working together for over two years. This is the one I want to get better at personally. I want to be brave enough to ask the people who probably won’t give me rave reviews to tell me when I’m being a pushover or when I’m coming across like an a-hole. Or just not being a good listener. It doesn’t have to be extreme, but it’s hard to think about even the sort of bad things like being an interrupter. Even if you don’t want to do this for yourself, do it for the sake of those around you. Becoming more likable is not so that you have the most friends or that you never challenge anyone. It’s becoming a sincere person, a sincere leader. When you lead from your heart you are genuinely interested in serving those around you and your selfish ambition takes a back seat to making sure the people in your life get the best from you.   Resources Blind Spots book  What Are Your Blind Spots  Interrupting Chicken  The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown  References https://brenebrown.com/blog/2018/12/04/leading-from-hurt-versus-leading-from-heart/ https://www.ivyexec.com/career-advice/2014/5-ways-find-blind-spots/ You can always find more at Pieces of Grit

Elysia always had a funky style, which she used to get to know herself better. Taking a selfie gives you an opportunity to increase your self awareness. More than a fun moment in time, it allows you to process how you are feeling and the connection to how you express yourself. Fashion is clothing, but it’s also art. It is a personal interpretation of what is on the inside of you.  Elysia’s first company sold socks. Aptly named Identity Crisis, it was an important developmental piece of growing up. It not only taught her about business, but more about her own identity and the direction she would end up taking in life. This founder of Pittsburg’s Style412 has a mission to strengthen the modeling and fashion community of the city.  Follow her for inspiration and to watch another amazing woman change her community. Influencers: Dr. Jolene Brighten  Man Repeller  MindBodyGreen  The Business of Fashion  Resources Clothes That Made History Vogue on Christian Dior Fashion in Film