Pursue You

One of the things I love most about this podcast is that I can have content that is all over the place! Yes, there is definitely value in a niche, but it is necessary, in my opinion to discuss a range of topics to best relate to listeners. Today I am excited to talk about marriage advice! The topic is always nerve-wracking, but these 2 powerful pieces of marriage advice have changed me and my marriage. I am not going to NOT share this message!

One surprising thing a lot of people do not know about me, is that I was a high-level lacrosse player. It was a big deal in my life and a huge piece of my identity. Being in athletics has shaped the way that I think. Today, I am using this background as the way I make decisions, how I think about things, specifically about failure.

I have some news! We have become foster parents! I kept feeling God calling us to not get pregnant again so we began looking into fostering! Here we are 2 years later- we have placements and I feel like we are ready to share a little about our experience. Today I brought on Laura, a close friend of mine, Laura Edwards! She is an Ontario County Home Finding Adoption Extraordinaire! We ill discuss 5 things that I didn't expect when becoming a foster parent. Laura is going to add her experience as well as common misconceptions.

"Hustling" is a topic I am super passionate about. And the growth of social media and entrepreneurship has really pushed the conversation to the forefront. I have never had trouble working hard, but my struggle began when it came time to STOP. But, if you don't know how to stop, the cost can be damaging to you and those around you. I will discuss 4 ways to stop hustling and start begin to pursue you!

Christy Wright runs “The Business Boutique.” She did a podcast on identity and one piece to her chat has been on my heart. “You are not your season.” She was referring to 2020 and how hard that season was. Data is coming out that a lot of the pressure families faced in 2020 had to do with children- activities, childcare, lack of support. I wanted to share some of my aha's around this idea- the concept of your identity and how it relates to the season you are in. 

A message I have been feeling and hearing most recently revolves around my cell phone and the idea that takes control of our lives like handcuffs! But, these particular handcuffs are self-inflicted because we are making the choice to have our hands on our phones. To "handcuff” means to make ineffective or powerless. What else does our phone make ineffective or powerless? Our phone can distract us from life and take things away from us, robbing us of important things. Today we discuss how to break your phone habits and get your life back!

Today I share a thought I had after driving past a sign during a recent visit to Florida. It read, “Its 12:00 o’clock somewh…just kidding! It’s 2021. Come on in!” It made me laugh but it also got me thinking. There is no denying 2020 was super had. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you were able to keep your job. Either way it was a hard year for everyone. Today I discuss 6 ways you can reset your habits and, in turn, bring you back on the path of pursuing you.

Today I am discussing how to love your “night-before-self.” I was inspired by my younger sister Abbey. Loving on your night-before-self lays the foundation for tomorrow. Tomorrow quickly becomes today and today is your life! If there is one thing that you can do today that can change the course of your life, I believe one of them is taking care of your night-before-self. I share a few ways that I do!

Today I am discussing something that has been a passion project for me: the path to presence. My journey as an entrepreneur, a woman, a wife and a mother has completely evolved from where I was a decade ago...even last year! Seeking presence is a journey. I refer to presence as, “[being] fully focused on or involved in what one is doing or experiencing.” Although your body might be present; is your mind? Is your soul? I share some tips on how to jumpstart this journey.

“If the Devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” My business coach shared with me on a coaching call recently. My word for the year is “listen.” You may know that I LOVE talking. Previous words for previous years were always something like “finding my voice” or “sharing my message,” aka something about talking. As I move into this new season of life, I feel like, for this year, I want to make it about listening. I share 3 questions to ask yourself.

If you know my story, you know that, as a former athlete, I am competitive. I have always been competitive with others, but also with myself. I love working hard being better than I was yesterday. The drive that comes from this competitive nature is good...until it’s not. In Simon Sinek’s book “The Infinite Game" he explains the concept of competition versus inspiration. Do the things we surround ourselves with encourage competition or inspire us to be better? I discuss and share some strategies for growth.

2020 was very difficult but there were many gifts that came from this past year, too. As many of us may have faced financial hardships over the past year, we are faced with hard conversations, many involving money. We have learned we may need to be smarter with our money, both from a business and personal standpoint. Today I am going to discuss my wealth journey. I will chat about what I have learned, mistakes I have made, successes I have found as well as 5 common wealth building mistakes.

This past year, my family has planned and completed two large business renovation projects. Aside from the time invested and the challenges 2020 presented, the mental and emotional loads were astronomical. After completion, I truly felt a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. When I do any big thing or have a lot on my plate, I realize I have to put new systems in place to survive. Said in another way, I learn that I either DO something, I DELEGATE something or DUMP something. Today I want to focus on the second two: Delegate and Dump. I believe there is real skill in developing your not-to-do list.

Today’s episode is inspired by my sister, Ashley. I was watching her with her kids, 2 boys and a little girl. One thing I recognized as I watched how she handles her kids and lives day-to-day as a mother figure to them was her ability to rebound or recover. If her children tested her patience, she did not let it affect the rest of her day. I personally feel this is a challenge for me. If I get frustrated, it takes me a while to recover. Today I discuss how I am practicing overcoming these challenges.

A big focus on my heart right now is this idea to think small and to dream small. I am a dreamer. I am constantly thinking as big as possible. So, it sometimes feels counterintuitive to what I have always known and what is in my soul. As a result, dreaming big has been a tough balance for me. Today I discuss dreaming small and how it can help you succeed.

I hope my title today caught your attention! 2020 has taught me so many things but one thing I am highlighting today is the fact that 2020 made me realize how much I loved my life BEFORE all of this. How much I was intentional with so many things that helped me reset and re-center. So many things will never be the same, but I am excited to get back into certain intentional activities, such as vacationing. I share why planning that next trip is so important.

Last episode I discussed setting goals amidst the uncertainty and how self-care needs to be a priority in times of uncertainty. When there are so many unknowns, having your cup filled provides this strong foundation to face whatever comes your way. Having a full cup means you are centered. So, what do you do if you are off-center or out of alignment? Today I am talking about building your very own re-centering toolbox.

Today we are discussing goal setting. We are in the season of setting goals for 2021! 2020 has been very unique. 2021 will as well. I am sharing thoughts on how I am working with my businesses and how we are setting goals in 2021 amidst the uncertainty.

As I’m starting to think about 2021, setting my intentions and goals for next year, I’m feeling this resistance. I think there are road blocks every year that come in all shapes and sizes. I want to name some reasons that goal-setting might leave you feeling afraid. I believe that when you name the things you fear, they seem to lose their power. I find myself able to look at these challenges or fears or worries differently. And that’s what I want today to be about for you.

Maybe the title today got your attention because you aren’t an “early riser.” You might feel that because you are not a “morning person” or someone who gets up early, you cannot be successful! This conversation today is about how you can be wildly successful even if you do not wake up early. I share key characteristics that we might consider applying to our lives and can set us up for more success.

Some of my favorite episodes that I get the honor to share with you are my Pursue You Picks. I love to share information on this platform and I love to inspire you to consume more information. Today I am discussing the book, “Attention Management,” by Maura Nevel Thomas. I hope the tidbits I share inspire you to consume the book yourself!

52! Episode #52! I have successfully completed 1 podcast per week for 1 year! I feel this is a perfect time for us to dig into the vault and highlight some of the episodes that made the most impact on you as the listeners and our community as a whole. One of my favorite parts of this podcast is how all-encompassing it is. I hope that today’s episode can serve as a starting point, as inspiration to give you an idea of what episodes you may want to listen to next!

Today I am discussing internal shifts vs external shifts. As I record this podcast in mid-September 2020, I notice, as I have in years past, that my “thermostat” is a bit low. I notice am not feeling right. So, I took out a pen and paper and journaled. I learned that this has been a difficult time for me for at least 5 years! Maybe it is emotions. Many of us may not think emotions are valid enough to be worthy of working towards an external change or shift. But sometimes those internal shifts are more important than we think!

This is Episode 50! I made a commitment to myself that I would premier 1 podcast per week! I am reaching a full year of the Pursue You Podcast and have learned so much along the way. Today I discuss how having kids connect and relate with business. I believe having children has actually helped me grow and scale my businesses and has positively impacted my life. I used to think you could not successfully have both. I share 10 reasons that having kids has helped me grow my businesses.

Today we are talking about time. Specifically finding more time in your day, in your week, in your month, in your life! We know we have a finite amount of town. I know for so long, I never felt like there was enough of it. I began to think about time differently. Finding more time is not just about being able to do more but making time for yourself to pursue you.

As I sit here and record this podcast in August 2020, I can’t help but think about a quote: “We have been springing a marathon for the past five months.” How would we have behaved differently if we would have known that this would not be a two-week ordeal? How can you think about this in your life? Are we striving for something but perhaps overlooking the enjoyment of the journey itself? We might need to stop, to pivot, to slow down.

The more I learn about money and financial wealth, the more intriguing it is to me. First, how you feel about money is often traced back to how you were raised and how your parents handled money. Second, I find it is challenging to find someone else to discuss money with for risk of judgement one way or the other. My goal for you today is to focus on your net worth as a baseline to start a conversation about money.

You may have heard a quote from Jim Rohn: “You're the average of the five people spend the most time with.” So, when you think about “your people” it is important to note those that really make an impact on your life. Today we will discuss my experiences with the hopes of helping you better understand who YOUR people are.

Today we are talking about the pace of your life. The impact pace has on my life is astounding. When my life and my business are at a sustainable pace and in alignment, I can feel the synergy and balance. I am sharing 3 tips how you can be intentional about your pace.

Today we are talking about goals. One thing I am learning as I get older is how different we all are. We have different backgrounds, experiences, childhoods. It is our differences that make the world go round. But, differences in perspectives and opinions can make it difficult for us to understand one another. Today we will discuss how we navigate these differences in our businesses by setting clear and concise expectations.

Today I am discussing from of my favorite points in the book Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. It is a book so many friends recommended to me. I am going to give you some of my favorite points throughout the book with the hope that you will enjoy some perspective shifts and takeaways.

I am so excited to share Sheena Saydam with you today! We have known each other for a while now and has a fantastic real estate team (Saydam Properties Group) in the Maryland/DC area. Most of her team is entirely remote and has been for 10 years! I am so excited for you to hear her advice because she has been doing this for such a long time. This episode is full of tactical and practical advice.

Today I am excited to share with you my journey starting and growing this podcast! You have asked me such great questions and have shared such great thoughts, which have fueled me so much along the way. Surprisingly, I get asked a lot about this, so I hope this discussion can serve as a resource for you or someone you know.

Leadership is a big word. There are so many types of leaders, levels and styles of leadership. Most of the time these conversations come about with regard to how one might lead other people. Today I am discussing how leading myself first has positively impacted my ability to lead others. I explain how it has shown up in my life and my business with the hopes that you will recognize the power of leading yourself first in your life.

Today we are talking about how to get rid of “Mom Guilt” – Part 2! In Part 1, we discussed why it is a problem. We discussed the impact of social media and the way we consume other’s lives. We also talked about the importance of deep relationships to better and how we define what it really means to be a good mom. Today, I discuss the next step. After we create our list of what things we think defines being a good mom, I share the importance of understanding how that fits into our lives.

Today we discuss “Mom Guilt.” This is the first podcast of a 2-podcast-series on the topic. It is something that ties us together as women and moms in the form of a constant inner monologue. I share tips on how to overcome it.

Today I address a question I have been getting from my community. I am asked what advice I would give college graduates as they transition into the “real world.” Whether you are a recent graduate, transitioning occupations or crafting your “best normal” following a long quarantine, I share six tips to help along the way.

Today I welcome Jay Niblick, the co-founder and CEO of WizeHire and an expert on the DISC profile. In times like these, it is more important than ever to understand one another and how we best interact with those around us. Jay shares his knowledge of the DISC and how we use it to thrive in times of stress.

On Mother’s Day, I was so honored to preach at my local church, Trinity Communion Church in Rochester, New York, where my family and I have been members for over 7 years. Today I am sharing that sermon. I was nervous, excited, honored and flattered…but mostly terrified! I worked hard, I researched, I prayed, and I did it! I realized I want to share this because I said “yes,” even though I felt so far outside my comfort zone. Hopefully it encourages you to do the same thing.

Marriage is especially difficult right now, especially when tackling challenges like the ones we are facing right now, in quarantine. I welcomed David and Laurie Re to the podcast, a beautiful couple that has been married for almost 14 years. They have two amazing boys, ages 9 and 12. They always say, “When opposites attract, they’re right!” We will discuss their challenges over the past decade and a half and how they worked together to overcome them. They believe every single marriage has hope and the ability to thrive.

We have all had our lives impacted in one way or another by this quarantine. However, it has allowed us to see a life from a different perspective. My husband and I chatted about the phrase “new normal.” Instead I want you to think about your “BEST normal.” All the things you are decided to invest your time in become your life. Don’t be a bystander. I want to help you build your best normal.

One of my favorite quotes is “don’t compare your insides to other peoples outsides.” I have always found myself comparing myself to others, not so much in a way of being better than others, but learning from others to be my best. I have always wanted to reach my maximum potential. After a lot of work over the past decade, I have been able to name my never-good-enough feelings and emotions that I was unable to pinpoint before. I have come to accept that the path I have taken in life is that path that was meant for me.

Every small decision we make is powerful. Every accomplishment or achievement is a result of a series of smaller choices. No small action will make a difference on it’s own. But, it will set you up to take the next small step and then the step after that. When we take smalls steps, they are less intimidating. And when they are less intimidating, we are more likely to do it. It is the constant consistent progress that brings confidence. That brings joy. That inspires us to want to continue that small but mighty progress. Today’s episode is inspired by a bike ride I took last week and seemed so fitting to share because of where we are in the world today. Long story short, a simple trip outside to play outside the snow with my daughter evolved into a brisk jog up a main road while she biked alongside me…all because of a few small decisions! 

Today I am chatting about a very important topic: Expenses. Whether you own a business or manage the business of your home, expenses matter! They are especially important with what we are going through right now. I am sharing my keys on how to get real with your expenses to allow you to survive (and thrive) in this challenging time.

Today we are going to talk about work-from-home hacks. This quarantine life has thrown us for a loop in so many ways but one of the biggest ways (especially for those of us that are used to working outside our home) is being thrown into working from home! As a Realtor, I spent many of my days working from home so I definitely feel I have a lot of experience with this. I want to share some of it with you so you can learn to navigate how to work from home: How to set expectations, design your days and communicate with those in your world and become the most efficient and productive.

I am so excited to share with you my friend Katie Henderson Clark. I just knew she would bring such value to all of you, especially during all of the new stress in our environment as we are all impacted by this quarantine. I personally know that I work so hard designing my days and weeks so that I am releasing my best self. That is very much shaken up right now. I hope you are ready to release the power of your minds in any situation that we face and especially in the situations and environments we are facing right now…in active quarantine.

What a time we are in! I try my hardest to keep my episodes “evergreen,” which means, no matter when you listen to them they are relevant and valuable. And then the Coronavirus entered our world. It is dramatically affecting the way we are living. In Episode 27, I discuss this pandemic and chat about what I am personally going through in the hopes that you might relate. It may not be “evergreen,” but it applies in any challenging situation. I want to discuss how you might grow from fear to faith; from helpless to empowered. I am taking you along on my journey and discuss what this experience has been like for me.

On Episode 26 I discuss 5 Steps to Rock Your Morning Routine! I have been practicing better sleep habits for some time now and have been prioritizing sleep. I never realized the impact not getting enough sleep was impacting my body and the way I was interacting with those around me. I discuss 5 steps I have found greatly impact how I create a productive morning routine and how it has impacted my days and my life.

On Episode 25 I discuss a topic may be something some of you are experiencing: “What To Do When You Are No Longer Motivated By “Money.” Notice “money” is in quotes because I want to use it as a placeholder. “Money” is basically whatever has motivated you in the past but it is now "empty." You could be motivated by fame or fear of failure, for example. However, there can come a point when your motivation can shift from a healthy motivation to something empty. Today I want to discuss what you can do if you are lacking motivation or no longer motivated by “money.”

Today’s episode is inspired by Mother Nature/Daylight Savings Time! This past year, especially, I have been so in tune with how daylight affects my nighttime routine. So many people talk about waking up SO early to get everything done! That never worked for me. I would wake up exhausted and, by the end of the day was beat! This year, I had the simplest revelation: a smart nighttime routine! You can’t have a strong morning routine until you have a strong nighttime routine! I am sharing 5 steps that helped me make my nighttime routine extra productive! So even if my morning routine hasn’t been great, I am setting myself up for a great next day!

Today I am talking with a special guest, Claire Ficker to discuss the Enneagram! The enneagram is a personality assessment. You may remember when I brought my husband on the podcast to discuss the DISC assessment on Episode 11. This is totally different, but equally as amazing. I am so passionate about connection and the enneagram is a wonderful way to learn more about yourself, more about others and to better connect with those around you.