Self Care Spotlight

Insert, hot-cold guy. In August 2022, I went to dinner with my almost ex husband who brought me roses, but a guy I was hot-cold with for too long, didn't even wish me a happy birthday. I was in an unhealthy "pick me, choose me, love me" dynamic.  In this episode, I'll discuss being friends with your ex, peaceful divorce, breaking yourself from toxic external validation seeking (the wounded Maiden), being chosen by God, hometown vs. home, finding your soul city, and we'll continue the love story of N who showed me what it really means to be wanted and pursued. No more chasing. Choose yourself, queen. SUPPORT THE SHOW:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/121753/supportSUBSTACK: Subscribe to the blog https://alyssakuzins.substack.com PODCAST SUPPORT SERVICES: Need a Podcast Editor sonic genius? Want support in launching your podcast game? Fill out this quick inquiry form: https://cm4kjrkiw4h.typeform.com/to/F6aYauB0 Support the showConnect with Alyssa: Instagram http://www.instagram.com/alyssakuzins Advertising Inquires: email alyssakuzins@gmail.com

Enters bestie Jodi. In my first character introduction episode, you get to hear from bestie Jodi from Pittsburgh. She was the first bestie that I talked to in person about this guy named N after our next level first date. So we sat down together in our silk robes to talk all things sister wound, hot girl summer, making friends as an adult, being romanced by your friends and did she really think I should go on this date to begin with? Put on your robe and join us for this fun bff chat.   SUBSTACK: Subscribe to the blog for all the tea in real-time versus reflection  https://alyssakuzins.substack.com Need a Podcast Editor? Or want support in launching your podcast game? Fill out this quick inquiry form: https://cm4kjrkiw4h.typeform.com/to/F6aYauB0 Connect with Alyssa: Instagram http://www.instagram.com/alyssakuzins Advertising Inquires: email alyssakuzins@gmail.com  Support the showConnect with Alyssa: Instagram http://www.instagram.com/alyssakuzins Advertising Inquires: email alyssakuzins@gmail.com Support the Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/121753/support

In August 2022, I met N the waiter. Our first date was one of the hottest, most fun, alive nights of my life, and I'm telling you all about it. Reading the story from one of my most popular blog entries, we explore the concept of “making love to life” and I'll reflect in hindsight about that fateful day and what made his masculine presence SO enticing. Grab the popcorn, because this is the beginning of a love story. SUPPORT THE SHOW:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/121753/supportSUBSTACK: Subscribe to the blog https://alyssakuzins.substack.com PODCAST SUPPORT SERVICES: Need a Podcast Editor sonic genius? Want support in launching your podcast game? Fill out this quick inquiry form: https://cm4kjrkiw4h.typeform.com/to/F6aYauB0 Support the showConnect with Alyssa: Instagram http://www.instagram.com/alyssakuzins Advertising Inquires: email alyssakuzins@gmail.com Support the Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/121753/support

I'm back! After two years, I'm back on the mic to bring you a Carrie Bradshaw esque podcast, With Love From Charleston, formerly known as ‘Self Care Spotlight.' This is the MOST honest project I've ever endeavored. Like many of you, I'm over the constant self-helping, so I'm sharing my reasoning for coming back with a story-based podcast, plus telling you everything you need to know about the past two years where the podcast poetically left off with me as a married woman. From moving alone, to divorce, my reality show moment, and falling in love, I'm giving you the backstory for the upcoming episodes to make sense, and we'll muse on a reimagined ‘not self-helpy self-help.' My hope is this pod feels like a breath of air that you can simply insert yourself into. No hacking, no five steps, no interviews, just a shared human experience and all the love, loss, and beauty that comes with it. SUPPORT THE SHOW:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/121753/supportSUBSTACK: Subscribe to the blog https://alyssakuzins.substack.com PODCAST SUPPORT SERVICES: Need a Podcast Editor sonic genius? Want support in launching your podcast game? Fill out this quick inquiry form: https://cm4kjrkiw4h.typeform.com/to/F6aYauB0 Support the showConnect with Alyssa: Instagram http://www.instagram.com/alyssakuzins Advertising Inquires: email alyssakuzins@gmail.com Support the Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/121753/support

Dropping October 4th - Welcome to my reality show, I mean, podcast, With Love From Charleston. This is an insider's club where Carrie Bradshaw meets embodied living. I'm not here to self help you. My hope is that you'll find yourself in the memoirs & musings of my Iife as I spill the tea for listeners willing to risk it all & break their own hearts for the chance to be fully Alive in this holy human life. Hi, I'm your host, Alyssa. A 33 year-old-divorcee, hopeful romantic who left her hometown of Pittsburgh for the pastel colored houses and palm trees of Charleston, SC.What started as a blog, is now a podcast to connect in the human experience through stories, contemplation, and girlfriend chats. And as a heads up, this is not for baby ears.So grab a cup because I'm about to spill the tea.Support the showConnect with Alyssa: Instagram http://www.instagram.com/alyssakuzins Advertising Inquires: email alyssakuzins@gmail.com Support the Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/121753/support

For the season finale, I brought Brad onto the show to give you a life update, chat our biggest life perspective shifts, and talk about our healing journey as individuals and as a couple since his brain injury cycling accident. We talk about moving forward WITH the experience versus moving on FROM the experience. I ask Brad how it feels to have a second chance at life and how his perspective changed from feeling punished to feeling blessed. It's about time + consciousness, not just sitting around idly waiting for "time to heal all wound." Brad talks about his patience level as one of his biggest changes, as he used to feel very restless, impatient and always feeling he has to be further ahead. He talks about his new appreciation of stillness and presence, whereas before, meditation was never interesting. I ask him if he feels content with life and I answer the same. We talk about how much we radically feel like ourselves now that we're on other side of so much pain and FINALLY in our own home again after 8 months of living in his parent's basement apartment to aid in his physical recovery. That brings up the different kinds of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional/mental and the power of our environment over our willpower and motivation. We discuss how/when we realized that the majority of his physical healing was done and  that our emotional/spiritual healing needed to take a front seat, which meant we needed to move out of his parents. We squeal about our new apartment and how much we radically feel like ourselves and a husband and wife again after losing that intimate connection. We of course talk about my 2022 book and how I feel more peace and acceptance around the fact that his voice has changed. We conclude with the difference between "why did this happen to ME?" versus "WHY did this happen to me?" Thank you for a beautiful season 6 - this episode feels full circle and I so look forward to the fall season!__________________Your 100th Episode Gift! BODY ART "thorns and roses" 90 minute embodied dance writing workshop to somaticize the thorns and roses of life and life. alyssakuzins.com/rosesTo check out the BODY ART MEMBERSHIP + AMBASSADORSHIP head here.Got a minute? Give SCS a 5 star rating!Got 5 minutes? Write SCS a stellar review to get the word out!Deepest gratitude for listening and sharing, friends! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

Ever thought about being a creative for a living or are in the midst of that path or are simply inspired by those whose presence oozes depth and art? Then you’re going to love this conversation! Marcus Amaker is the epitome of Artist as an award winning spoken word poet, graphic designer and musician and the Poet Laureate of Charleston.He addresses the stereotype of the “starving artist” narrative to overcome our fears around pursing our creativity for a living and gives 3 tips on imposter syndrome. He provides fascinating insight into the child versus adult mind based on his experience working in schools. We talk about how/when we lose our identification as “artist” and what that term even means. Marcus generously offers a “self portrait” writing prompt PDF that he uses in schools to get kids writing their feelings, which you’ll find in the show notes for free (yes, it's for adults too). We talk about what a Poet Laureate actually does, how he became one, and of course I ask him about his feelings on Amanda Gorman. We talk joy triggers, trauma porn, and I ask Marcus how he strikes a balance between pain and joy in this world, especially as a writer and black man. He tells me that balance doesn’t exist and asks us to look to how we respond to children’s joy versus our own. We also talk about a second artist stereotype, that you have to suffer for great Art, in which Marcus refutes such argument. We talk healthy, empathic ways of processing stress and pain through creativity, and all of this concludes with Marcus sharing his take on self care as a self emptying. He reads 3 poems aloud, and the one on self love gave me the biggest chills! ________________Connect with Alyssa @alyssakuzins on Instagram.Your 100th Episode Gift! BODY ART "thorns and roses" 90 minute embodied dance writing workshop to somaticize the thorns and roses of life and life. alyssakuzins.com/rosesFor Marcus's books, albums, the "self portrait" writing prompt PDF:  alyssakuzins.com/marcus-amakerGot a minute? Give SCS a 5 star rating!Got 5 minutes? Write SCS a stellar review to get the word out!Deepest gratitude for listening and sharing, friends! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

Aija Mayrock was a young girl with a speech impediment who was bullied, even told to “kill herself,” but now she’s a 25 year old spoken word poet who has shared her words with over four million people. Aija is a humble soul who is sharing the experience of girlhood to womanhood and finding your voice with her latest book, Dear Girl. We talk about vulnerabilty breeding vulnerabilty, and about the power of not just having a voice, but using your voice. Writing became her outlet for safe expression when speaking up failed her, but as an adult, she’s taking her power back by speaking up and sharing the truth of her written word. We talk the power of embodied words, why she chose the term “girl” versus woman in her book title, and how you can be afraid and do it anyways. We also discuss how we tend to blame ourselves or avoid asking for help because we assume that we must be doing something wrong. She talks about how she broke that cycle, and we discuss healing the little girl in all of us. Finally, we talk beauty privilege and self care as allowing yourself to grow. And about halfway through the episode, Aija shares a piece called “Wounds Like Crowned Jewels” that had me smirking up a storm! ----------------------Connect with Alyssa @alyssakuzins on Instagram.For Aija's book and show notes head to alyssakuzins.com/aija-mayrockGot a minute? Give SCS a 5 star rating!Got 5 minutes? Write SCS a stellar review to get the word out!Deepest gratitude for listening and sharing, friends! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

Naked, powerful poetry and prose on heartbreak, love and sobriety - that’s what Jon Lupin, better known as @ThePoetryBandit to his almost 200k followers on Instagram, is all about. The sweetly humorous, Jon, rekindled his love of the creative arts after his ex wife bought a type writer and he began sharing writing in the early days of IG poets. He self published his first book, My Sober Little Moon, in 2014, and shared that he wrote much of it while still battling alcoholism. He said it reminds him and others why those chose sobriety. Jon is also staunchly honest about his particular kind of OCD that causes incessant overthinking, his divorce, his drunken stupors and even pokes fun of himself with how his IG handle used to be @thehopelessloser. In his opinion, poetry throughout the centuries will always have an air of suffering to it, as is the human condition. As such, we discuss how we become addicted to our suffering, how some only love us when we’re suffering, and we ruminate over the age old question, do you have to suffer to make great art? Jon even nerds out with me over the structural differences between prose and poetry that makes for a different psychological, emotional experience for the reader, which helps us answer the question, “Why do I love that poem?” Jon is also the author of You Only Love Me When I’m Suffering and Encyclopedia of a Broken Heart. This is an intelligent, honest, and surprisingly funny conversation that shouldn’t be missed!  _______________________Connect with Alyssa @alyssakuzins on Instagram.For Jon’s books and show notes head to alyssakuzins.com/the-poetry-bandit Got a minute? Give SCS a 5 star rating!Got 5 minutes? Write SCS a stellar review to get the word out!Deepest gratitude for listening and sharing, friends! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

“My mental health wouldn’t be where it is today without poetry.”At the age of 19, Cassie Wood aka cm.writer, is the youngest guest I’ve had on my show. A Canadian poetess who has already written 3 poetry compilations, Cassie is most definitely going places! In this episode, we strongly focus on the ability of poetry to aid in our mental health and navigate the inevitable changes of life. Cassie shares her struggles as a teen with an old soul these days and how we have to have patience in the blossoming. We also discuss the Gen Z approach to pronouns, why she advocates for this, and how she sees life through the perspective of Queer. We talk Purpose as happiness and on a structural level why she writes in short form prose on Instagram versus her books. And then of course, we get to her books! We talk about “inspiration hits,” how we “paint women red,” and she recites 3 pieces for us! A beautiful share for adults to teens!  _____________________Episode show notes + Cassie's books and Etsy shop: alyssakuzins.com/cassie-woodGot a sec? Give SCS a 5 star rating! Got 5 min? Give SCS a lovely review so other listeners know why it's so awesome here!Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @alyssakuzins Much love and gratitude for being here! xxSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

“Words turn you on.” I couldn’t agree more with Ukrainian poetess, Sasha Nudel, author of A Mouth Full of Lust, who emigrated to the US when she was 16. Sasha describes how, although, she never planned on becoming a mother, how motherhood awakened her to her sensuality and sexuality. She not only gave birth to a child, but finally to her creative passions and lust for life. She challenges the narrative and reminds us that motherhood does not equal martyrdom. Sasha also describes how this indescribable love helped her relate to others, not just lovers, sensually. We expand the arch of lust and discuss why the pursuit of lust, not just love, is SO worthwhile in the short time we have in this life, along with why writing sensually and about our fantasies is so potent, especially for women. #wordporn The conversation ends with our love languages and the power of touch. Lucky for you, Sasha reads aloud multiple juicy pieces throughout the episode!-------------Episode shownotes + Sasha's book: alyssakuzins.com/sasha-nudelGot a sec? Give SCS a 5 star rating! Got 5 min? Give SCS a lovely review so other listeners know why it's so great here!Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @alyssakuzins Much love and gratitude for being here! xxSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

“Words not for the ears but for the soul", that’s what guest, Arielle Estoria has to offer. In my opinion, Arielle is one of the best, modern spoken word poets. A writer, poet, emcee, speaker, and model, Arielle tells it like it is, and when questioned, told me poetry is healing, simply because it is! She calls us to question why we need to understand everything. We discuss the rise of poetry in popular culture and yet why she believes we need more of it. She talks about how she balances her love of fashion and the art of captivating an audience without distracting them from her words. Arielle describes herself as a professional feeler and reads aloud three spoken word pieces, including “Bloom From These Tombs,” which came out amongst the racial injustices and tragedies of 2020. She tells us that anger doesn’t sit well with her and explains what she believes is the mission of poetry; hope and healing, at least hers. It’s about seeking beauty in the pain, and she leaves us just that way with the triumphant spoken poem, “This is for You” to close the episode. -----------Find me on Instagram @alyssakuzins Love what you heard? Please share the episode with others who it may bring comfort. Got a sec? Give the show a 5 star, love bomb rating.Got 5 minutes? Write me a review on why you looove listening. All of this to say, thank you for healing and sharing this message!Donate to Brain Injury Association of America to support research and advocacy. Click hereSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

After a year hiatus as I stepped into the role of caregiver, I’m back and with life perspectives that I never had access to before, but that I want to share.  Because as hearts heal, they share. In July 2020, my husband, Brad, a 3 time half Iron Man finisher, was in a cycling accident. He survived but with a traumatic brain injury.  Trigger warning. This first episode is just me and the mic, telling our story to set the foundations. You’ll hear me recount in raw detail what happened and how the healing journey really went, and is going 8 months out. 2.8 million people in the US sustain a TBI ever year, and I never want anyone to feel alone.This is about healing, resiliency, hope, and love. I discuss why I'm writing a book and how poetry was a healing medium that I didn't even know I needed. I recite some pieces from my book, and I'm letting you in on what this new series, Poetic Healing, is all about and why I felt called to create it. Every week after this, you’ll hear a different conversation with one of today’s well-known poetry authors on poems to heal racial injustice, sexual empowerment, to using your voice, love and more. As a bonus, they’ll share some pieces with spoken word!__________________Find me on Instagram @alyssakuzins Love what you heard? Please share the episode with others who it may bring comfort. Got a sec? Give the show a 5 star, love bomb rating.Got 5 minutes? Write me a review on why you looove listening. All of this to say, thank you for healing and sharing this message!Donate to Brain Injury Association of America to support research and advocacy. Click hereSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)

Season 6: On July 7, 2020 at 4:30am, my husband Brad was in a cycling accident. He survived but with a traumatic brain injury. Since 2017 I’ve been dedicated to real talk self care, and this season, we’re focusing on one healing modality, writing, specifically, poetry. Welcome to the Poetic Healing, season 6 series. I’m currently writing my first poetry memoir on this journey, but in the meantime, I want to highlight the poets and poetess out there who are sharing the messy human experience through the art and catharsis of beautiful words. Because the world needs healing and hope and human relating, more than ever. Every week, you’ll hear a different conversation with one of today’s well-known poetry authors on poems to heal racial injustice, sexual empowerment, to using your voice, love and more. As a bonus, they’ll share some pieces with spoken word!! I am not here to be a poet. I am here to feel my feelings, and thus maybe help you, feel yours.Season 6 series launching Tuesday, April 6, 2021.---------Find host @alyssakuzins on Instagram or at alyssakuzins.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/selfcarespotlight)

In this special episode, join Alyssa as she introduces her husband and new Co-host, Brad, as they unveil their new spin-off show, A Self Care Summer of Love, as a part of Alyssa's first ever Patreon membership for the Self Care Spotlight podcast! So what are the perks of this membership, how exactly is Brad going to be involved, what juiciness are they going to talk about, and why did he push Alyssa to do this membership (even though she resisted it). + Alyssa will explain her vision for the very first group episode live reflection chat that gets YOU access to our amazing guests! Uncensored. Relatable. Fun. Yet Deeper.Join the SCS Patreon membership for $6/month for exclusive episodes & access to guests!https://www.patreon.com/selfcarespotlight

For the final installment of Season 5’s theme, relationships as self care, we’re talking adult friendships with The Joy List founder and author of Unlonely Planet, Jillian Richardson. During a global pandemic where seeing your friends isn’t an option, this conversation felt ironic and yet timely. Jillian told Alyssa she doesn’t really see herself as a friendship expert, but more like a communication expert, but isn’t that what we’re really talking about with mature friendships? From how friendship is like dating to how to communicate hurt feelings, Jillian provides beautiful, tangible communication techniques and wisdom. Because in a world where loneliness is just as detrimental as smoking (Jillian' drops stats), having these kinds of conversations is imperative to us finding conscious friendships to have these kinds of conversations with. This was one of the most anticipated topics of this season, and it doesn’t disappoint! _______Want a $6 community Patreon to get live group episode reflection chats and bonus content from guests? VOTE in this 30 second survey! Show Notes including books and trainings mentioned: alyssakuzins.com/self-care-spotlight/the-joy-listHang out with Alyssa on IG @alyssakuzins

To some, embodiment, pleasure and sexuality might seem like frivolous topics during the global pandemic of Corona virus, but Alyssa and guest, Andrea, sacred sexuality and feminine embodiment coach, wholly disagree and share why. In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of a devoted self-pleasure practice (and how it evolves), tuning into when you’re ready to be entered (by yourself or another) and how to let your partner know, de-armouring the cervix, crystal wands and yoni eggs, and the voice-yoni connection. If any of this sounds new or even scary, rest assured that Andrea and I break it down in this sisterly conversation that will have you ready to embrace your feminine essence and pleasure in the most delicious way! Andrea even graces us with her Vocal Alchemy to seal all this juiciness! ------------Use code: FEMMEPGH10 for 10% off your crystal wand or yoni purchases at https://theempoweredwoman.ca/shop Let iTunes know SCS is awesome- leave a review Get free embodied movement practices on Alyssa's Instagram @alyssakuzins Show notes for this episode including Andrea's group program, The Vessel- click here

What does it mean to be a “man?” Why should women care about understanding men’s sexuality? Sacred sexuality coach and healer Matthew Ayriss, offers up an analysis to the confusing situation modern men find themselves in. On one hand they’re raised to “man up” and on the other end, they reject this toxic masculinity at the expense of embodying healthy masculinity. He explains in depth how the lack of support in men’s sexuality work and emotional mastery impacts boys and therefore our relationship with men. And what about women being “too much” for men to handle? He zones in on how the Masculine can uniquely hold space for the Feminine’s dynamic range.Chalk full of tangible tips and real-life examples, this episode is bound to serve you, especially if you identify as a man or are in relationship with men Show notes at alyssakuzins.com/episode90 Be my listener spotlight of the month by leaving me a 5 star rating on iTunes to help spread this message far and wide!

If I said the secret free diet, I wouldn’t be talking about food; I would be talking about a secret free love partnership. Season 5 is all about relationships as self care, so what about the ultimate committed relationship? Marriage. February’s guest is Ted Talk speaker and NYC’s top marriage + relationship coach, Laurie Gerber. I asked questions like, why are less young people getting married? How has marriage changed? Where does she see it going? Are people inherently good? Why do we lie? And how do you have the hard conversations, especially when they’re deal breakers? We have all lied and we have all been lied to. This is a fascinating episode about using radical honesty to have the most fulfilling love partnerships that align with your values, not expectations.----Show notes include:Laurie' Ted Talk "Secret Free Diet"Your $75 off coupon code + link to Inner U courseThe Art of Honesty pdf outline to having hard conversationsPlease head to thejournaldeck.com/episode89----Got 2 minutes? Share your biggest takeaway or why you love listening to the show, and I'll put you in the self care spotlight! Leave me a voicemail at 412-218-1229. xx

Season 5 is all about relationships as self care. The intention? To strengthen and understand our most important relationships, starting with you and your inner child. Because self care might have the word “self” in there, but we all know that how we interact with others, has everything to do with our own self worth, joy and what we bring with us from our childhoods. Whether you had a wonderful or not so wonderful upbringing, our childhoods shape our lives deeply and we all have hurts. Alyssa Mancao, a psychotherapist with a specialty in EMDR and the inner child, sat down with me to discuss the value in working with your inner child, destigmatizing therapy, the current trend of therapy, validating your unique childhood wounds, and she offers up a beautiful exercise to speak to your inner child. This episode had me thinking about my own upbringing, and it’s clear to me where I still have work to do to step fully into my power. It starts with you. Let’s journey back. ----------Drop some show love! Call my Google voicemail at 412-218-1229. I used the OG Journal Deck with Alyssa. Find it here. SHOWNOTES: thejournaldeck.com/episode-88

SEASON 4 FINALE-- Wrapping up a season of inner healing, for the first time ever, Alyssa brought on a friend. Not an expert, an author or a coach, Jennifer Watt is simply a real woman doing the work. If Alyssa could pinpoint one person in her life who has done the work to heal trauma and personal wounds, it would be her dear friend and retreat assistant, Jen. Having been in therapy since she was 18, Jen, now 33, felt honored to share her healing journey and openly shares about foster care, finding out she was adopted, being raped, body image, mother wounds and contemplating suicide (trigger warning). Keeping it raw yet light, the ladies share a laugh about what she really thought while attending her first retreat led by Alyssa. Now in a place where she feels more beautiful and alive than ever, Jen shares the healing tools that helped her get here, in the hopes that her story will reach someone who needs to hear it. You might cry or laugh as these two soul sisters have a real talk conversation about what it means to do the work on the path of healing through the femme. ------Show notes: thejournaldeck.com/episode87 Jen answered a prompt from the Goddess Edition Journal Deck- shop here. Alyssa referred to episode #35 Winter's Gift of Darkness & Holiday Blues- listen here.Leave a message for Alyssa about the show in our voicemail box by dialing 412-218-1229. Alyssa listens to them personally. Just know that your voice may pop up in an episode!

Soft. Soften. Softening. You hear your yoga teacher use this language, and when you start talking about Feminine energetic qualities, you will undoubtedly start hearing about it too. But what is it? How do we get there in a hyper masculine culture that makes our soft edges feel rigid? And what about the notion of being soft AND fierce? Admittedly, it can feel quite esoteric, and after a client jokingly said to her, "Wtf is soft?" Alyssa realized that so many of us are struggling with this concept of soft that feels unreachable and unsustainable. Alyssa breaks down her interpretation of soft from the lens of resistance and leaves you with a question you can ask yourself at any time to come into softening. She also offers up two hands-on suggestions and concludes with softness in the context of romantic relationships.___________SHOWNOTES: thejournaldeck.com/episode86 DEALS: The Journal Deck Black Friday Sale coming soon! Be sure to follow us @thejournaldeck or join our mailing list HERE so you don't miss out on our BIGGEST sale of the year- Woo! YOUR VOICE MATTERS: Did this help you think of soft in a different way? Share your favorite thought from an episode, leave a question, or some love by dialing 412-218-1229 to reach our Google voicemail box. Alyssa listens to them personally.

What is it about some people that makes them feel magnetic? Why do some people comes across as so alive, while others are struggling to get by and constantly exhausted? According to meditation and mind expert, Rajshree Patel, it’s about Vital Force, i.e. life force energy. This book has changed the game for me; it has impacted how I go about my self care practices and how I teach. It all comes down to Energy Intelligence. We’ll talk about Rajshree’s former life as an LA prosecutor to how she is now one of the founding teachers of the world-renowned Art of Living Retreat Centers. Today’s topics include: what is Vital Force and how to cultivate it, Shiva and Shakti, Big Mind vs. head space, why mindfulness meditation may not be for you, the art of no focus attention, and conscious journaling. She even offers up her favorite breath work exercise and has a free bonus course offering to walk you through the book’s teachings on a deeper level. And guess what? You can now give me a call with the Self Care Spotlight Google Voice Line!! Tell me your favorite thought, leave a questions, or comments by dialing 412-218-1229 to reach our voicemail box._________Show notes including The Power of Vital Force book and free book bonus course at:thejournaldeck.com/episode85 -bonus course only available through October 1, 2019OCTOBER SPONSOR: The Ultimate CuffUse code ALYSSA20 to get 20% off your gorgeous cuffs to take your Apple Watch to the next level and support this podcast. Now you can track your workouts and look stylish. No more ugly, dirty rubber bands. I have the Honey in rose gold and the Mia in silver.Owned by a Pittsburgh-based mama. I’m obsessed. Thank you, Ultimate Cuff!

Welcome to the Fall 2019 season! This season, we're focusing on healing, and we begin with trauma. That might seem like a heavy topic for starting a season, but just like the leaves, fall is a season to let go. We face the dark to go towards the light. And speaking of trauma, we have all experienced it. Trauma is defined by something feeling unexpected, unprepared, and felt out of your control. But despite the fact that many of us deal with trauma and live in chronic low level stress in our daily lives, we're often not taught how to process it in a healthy manner or we feel shame or guilt for needing time to heal. In today's episode, I'm joined by Reita Johnston to talk about Somatic Experiencing and looking to the body for cues to healing. Just like animals, we have built in systems to heal from traumatic experiences, we have just forgotten how. ---------Get your FREE Journaling Starter Package!- 5 OG Journal Deck prompt worksheets- Self Care Calendarthejournaldeck.com/starter-packageCall Me!! Leave me some love, questions, or comments by dialing 412-218-1229 to reach the Self Care Spotlight voicemail box. I can't wait to hear about your favorite moments!Shownotes:thejournaldeck.com/episode84

Have you ever felt like you were too much? Have you every felt scared to put the real you out there and be seen? Have you ever felt shameful about your self expression, your sensuality or worried about looking egotistical? Are you afraid of changing because of what others may think or say? This is wounded Feminine energy. She often lives underneath wounded Masculine energy. We all have both energies inside of us and yet we struggle to embrace our wholeness because we often feel fear, shame, and guilt around releasing our femininity and sensuality: i.e. being seen. Alyssa shares her personal journey into how we can move through this process. She also announces her new member-based intuitive movement workshops- FEMME PGH! --------------FEMME Invocation Mp3 + want the juicy scoop on FEMME PGH? Enter your email.alyssakuzins.com/femme Early bird launches the week of August 11th for 1 week only. I'm calling in 14 women to be SEEN.

Bonjour! Summer is the season of vacations, and even if you love what you do, we all need space. Every now and again you need a vacation to step back into your center, have ZERO to-do lists (not even a self care agenda) and reset. I went to France with my husband on a delayed honeymoon/1 year anniversary from June 15-25, 2019, and I didn’t open my computer once in 2 weeks! It was lovely. In this episode, I share on how we almost didn't go (it’s a CRAZY story), my thoughts on self care while vacationing, social media anxiety, universal signs, and remembering that everything is figureoutable (thanks Marie Forleo). This trip was everything I needed, and it reminded me that sometimes we have to fight for our joy, but boy is it worth it! I'll wrap up the episode with trip highlights and try to answer the one question everyone keeps asking, which place did I like more? ------------------TRIP ITINERARY + OUR AIRBNBS + TRAVEL TIPS:thejournaldeck.com/episode82Want to meet me in Atlanta, GA?Free Journaling Benefits Talk- DETAILSJournaling + Feminine Energy Workshop- DETAILSLoved this episode? There are 750,000 podcasts, so I appreciate you listening to mine! Would you mind taking 5 minutes to write me a review on iTunes?

Why does dancing feel so cathartic, how is it a spiritual practice, how does dance or a dance class differ from the experience of yoga, how can we get over the fear of being seen and owning our sensuality, femininity, and body, and why is this SO life-affirming not only for you, but for EVERYONE, especially right now? The right of a woman to have a say in what happens to her own body is being debated as we speak in the US, and India Dania, creator of the empowered embodiment dance class, The Strut Club, and I, were very much aware of that during this recording. I want you to FEEL this conversation so much that you do something with it. That maybe you make energetic moves in your life or you physically move your body without shame, guilt, embarrassment, or judgment. Whether that’s shaking it by yourself in your living room, in a dance class, or posting a video on Instagram. My woman crush India believes that you were born to dance and that movement really is soul medicine, so get to it. You’re so beautiful when you own it. And remember, your movement is a part of a bigger movement. -----------SHOW NOTES: thejournaldeck.com/episode81 Big thanks to this episode's sponsor, Phonetic Digital Eyewear! I've been loving my pair the Ryan, and you can protect the health of your eyes too with the code selfcare15 for 15% off your purchase! phoneticeyewear.com (use code: selfcare15 for 15% off) Want to meet me in Atlanta, GA?Free Journaling Benefits Talk- DETAILSJournaling + Feminine Energy Workshop- DETAILSMoved by this episode? Won't cha please write me a review on itunes?!

“Fearing rejection from others, we reject ourselves.” That’s the kind of wisdom you can expect in this episode with author of The Courage Habit and Director of the Courageous Living Coach Certification, Kate Swoboda, who has also been featured in MindBodyGreen and Forbes. Kate proclaimed that she was feeling feisty during this interview and her realness truly shines on issues like fear of rejection and how the life coaching/self help industry can be seen as not a real career or naive. This was a wise, deep conversation. I know you’ll feel fired up like I did and ready to shine your light and stand fiercely in your courage, despite the haters and despite your fears, which Kate has no interest in crushing. In fact, she wants you to mindfully move through your fears. Let’s dive in.SHOWNOTES:thejournaldeck.com/episode80Makeover launches Sunday, May 12! Stay up to date on Instagram @thejournaldeckCan you do me a favor?If you love this show, I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a Review and give us a 5 star rating on iTunes to reach more people like you!Click here, go to Ratings & Reviews, click Write a Review and Click to Rate.

Why don’t we talk about grief? Sadness? After losing our 3.5 year old goldendoodle, Luna, to kidney disease at the beginning of March 2019, my husband Brad and I felt ourselves in the clutches of grief, and I have come to believe that grief is a part of your self care toolkit when you’re hurting. Just as much as meditation or prayer or yoga, grief is a tool, a process that you have to allow space for, otherwise it will swallow you or become a ticking time bomb. In today’s special episode, I invited Brad to come back on the show to talk about our individual grieving processes, share Luna’s story from how she brought us together all the way to her death, the universal signs, as well as what our deepest lessons have been through this heart-agonizing process. This episode is full of moments that will make you cry, but also remind you of the deep joy and privilege that is LIFE.______________________SHOWNOTES:thejournaldeck.com/episode79Healthy Paws Pet Insurance-Click HereCan you do me a favor?If you love this show, I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a Review and give us a 5 star rating on iTunes to reach more people like you!Click here, go to Ratings & Reviews, click Write a Review and Click to Rate.

Where is the intersection of self care and self-less? How deep does your self care go? How much of your feelings should you share with others or keep to yourself? One of Boston's most recommended fitness professionals as the Director of Talent at B/SPOKE Studios, a lululemon ambassador and yoga instructor, this month’s guest, Aly Raymer, is over the notion that getting your nails done and taking photos of bubble baths on Instagram sums up the self care department, but is now learning and sharing what deep self care is all about. We also talk about a part of self care that often goes overlooked: giving back. Although self care has the word “self “ in it, the better you feel, the more likely you are to give to others in need because you cannot give from an empty cup without feeling resentful, right? Speaking of cups, we’ve partnered up with Aly to give 20% of profits made through her unique Journal Deck shop link to give back to Charity Water— a well-known charity that gives clean water to those in need, providing women and children the chance to go to school instead of searching for drinking water.Boundaries vs. Vulnerable Shares. Push vs. Soft. Give Back vs. Receive. It’s a self care lifestyle balancing act, and we need a little bit of it all. Tune in to hear more. ------------Shop Aly's Charity Journal Deck Shop Link-http://thejournaldeck.com/shopaly-20 % of profits through March go to Charity WaterSpring Into Journaling Instagram Challenge + Giveaway-Begins March 11-20th-Bullet Journaling X Journal Prompts-Be sure to follow @thejournaldeck @plan.tful @plantfulshopWORKSHOP: Manifest and Thrive With a Self Care Lifestyle -Sunday, April 7th @ 10-11:30am -Pittsburgh, PA-Pop-up shop + Mimosas to follow-$20 Shop Tickets Here Don't forget to leave us a review + 5 star rating on iTunes! xx

How do you live “slow” in a fast-paced world? How can you possibly keep up if you’re moving slow? What would a good minimalist do? In one of my favorite conversations to date, I sit down with Brooke McAlary, author of SLOW: Simple Living for a Frantic World and The Slow Home Podcast host, to discuss what slow living actually looks in modern society. We talk about key simple living topics, such as decluttering, going small, and even using the body as an entry point for this lifestyle (think yoga). We also discuss common concerns that often crop up, such as keeping with the Joneses, comparison, shoulding on yourself, and finding time for slow. Ironically enough, many of us end up feeling like we’re not doing a good enough job at slow living, or minimalism as an extension, and in doing so, suck the joy and original intentions out of this simplistic lifestyle. As Brooke describes, slow living is a lot of paradoxes. It’s about caring more and caring less. Having more and having less. By the end of this conversation, you’ll have essential wisdom and key questions to ask yourself to slowwwly embrace this lovely way of living more fully AND simply. --------------SHOW NOTES:thejournaldeck.com/episode77 Shop the Deck:The Journal Deck Goddess EditionPittsburgh Workshop:Living and Leading from Your Feminine Power Sunday, February 245-7pm @ Om LoungeBrooke's info:SLOW: Simple Living for a Frantic World (book)The Slow Home (podcast)

Welcome to Season 3 of the Self Care Spotlight! I'm officially back from winter break and have some exciting changes and updates to share with you. In this episode, I share about a very real-talk conversation I had with my husband and a good friend back in December about how I'm holding my business back. Although this was hard to hear and it's vulnerable to share, I know that authenticity is always the way to go, and I hope that it will help you to get out of your own way too. In this conversation, I talk about my doubts of being a good leader, why the podcast is going back under The Journal Deck, my fear of judgement, the messiness of creativity, 2019 big changes, and I even spill the beans on the NEW product launching next week that I've always wanted to make! In the end, no matter how messy, it's about unapologetically hitting reset whenever necessary for the elevation you seek. No more playing small. ---------Need journaling inspiration? Not sure where to start?Journaling Starter Package - it's free, seriously. Need more movement in your life? Monthly online yoga + journaling - also free, for real.

We started Season 2 with space, and we’re ending it there as well. Another holiday season is upon us, and even though I love this time of year, the holidays can feel quite stuffy, and I'm not just talking about eating too much food. One of the biggest things I hear from folks is, "The holidays stress me out" or, "I feel like I lose my self care during this time of year." In today’s episode, I share 3 of my best tips for creating a spacious holiday season and avoiding the overwhelm. I even share how doing so helped me get engaged last year on Christmas! I also hint at 2019 podcast plans as well as my brand new movement-based embodiment program launching in December and beginning in January! I’ll see you in 2019! ------In the meantime won't you....Get on my movement program email list + yoga with me for free? Yes, please!Leave me an iTunes review?Leave me a Review and/or give us a 5 star rating on iTunes! Click here, go to Ratings & Reviews, click Write a Review and Click to Rate. BONUS: Screen shot your review, email it to me, and I'll send you a free, full length vinyasa yoga class taught by me!Shownotes: alyssakuzins.com/episode75

As a part of our new mini series, Soulful Science, we’re talking with former MIT research assistant, LaShaun Middlebrooks Collier of Whole and Well Co, who fell into a deep love affair with the concept, eudaimonia, or “human flourishing,” while doing research; thus beginning her fascination and desire to share how soul and science can merge to live your best life. LaShaun loves to “nerd out” as she calls it and is chalk full of wisdom, yet she oozes soul. With her emphasis on whole living, she’s sure to make any skeptic a little softer and convince any hippie heart that science can be enlightening too. ------------------------Shownotes:alyssakuzins.com/episode74 Leave us a Review and/or give us a 5 star rating on iTunes! Click here, go to Ratings & Reviews, click Write a Review and Click to Rate. BONUS: Screen shot your review, email it to us, and we'll send you a free, full length vinyasa yoga class taught by Alyssa!

Love crystals? Curious or skeptical about them? This episode and Colleen's new book, Crystal RX, has you covered! We have yet to have an entire episode dedicated to crystals so it's about time! Crystal care. Choosing your crystal. Crystal shape meanings. Your must-have crystals. A crystal encyclopedia. Crystal healing. The science of crystals. We break it all down with Colleen's expert advice and down-to-earth vibes. Not your average shaman in heels, Colleen knew she was special from a young age, picking winning lottery numbers and being her moms's "creative" child, she hid that part of her and went into fashion before eventually succumbing to her Truth and making the world more beautiful one crystal at a time. Whether you love crystals or aren't sure about them, this conversation is sure to enlighten you and open your mind! ----Shownotes + Crystal RX book:alyssakuzins.com/episode73 Leave us a Review and/or give us a 5 star rating on iTunes! Click here, go to Ratings & Reviews, click Write a Review and Click to Rate. Bonus: Screen shot your review, email it to us, and we'll send you a free, full length vinyasa yoga class taught by Alyssa!

Gratitude. Yes, it might feel like a cliché topic for this time of year, but this chaotic world could always use more people who are emanating with gratitude, and not just any gratitude, spacious gratitude.Gratitude with depth and mindfulness. We will jam on how you can shift into this gratitude mindset and recognize it as a way of BEING and not a way of DOING. How in the hustle and bustle of life, feeling grateful can often be the first thing to fall by the wayside, but using Alyssa’s 3 simple steps; awareness, alignment, then gratitude, you’ll be able to build your gratitude muscle, deepen your capacity to feel gratitude, and catch yourself in a downward spiral. Having a spacious, mindful gratitude mindset is a quintessential tool to living your most aligned life and this week we see it from a deeper lens.Remember to participate in the GRATITUDE CHALLENGE for the month of November using the hashtag #spaciousgratitude and tag me @alyssakuzins! LEARN MORE

Welcome to the 2018 Halloween episode! As we move out of patriarchal systems, every where you look it seems that there is a rise of folks identifying with witch and spirituality that takes on more of a Pagan tradition. Today’s guest witch, Leslie McAllister, chatted with me about “the waking of the witch.” She is the owner of the metaphysical lifestyle shop, Juju, where she is also the in-house tarot reader. We begin with a discussion of what is the connection between Halloween and the Pagan holiday, Samhain, and the conversation quickly dives into all things witch. i.e. what does that term mean to her, what’s a spell, how we’re in the midst of the waking of the witch, and even her best advice on where to begin exploring the witch inside of YOU! ------Show Notes:alyssakuzins.com/episode71The Journal Deck Affiliate ProgramLEARN MORE (submissions close 11/2/2018):alyssakuzins.com/journaldeckaffiliates Leave us a Review and/or give us a 5 star rating on iTunes! Click here, go to Ratings & Reviews, click Write a Review and Click to Rate. Bonus: Screen shot your review, email it to us, and we'll send you a free, full length vinyasa yoga class taught by Alyssa!

Grace is one of those elusive words that gets tossed around a lot, but what exactly is it? Saving Grace, Grace under fire, God's Grace, Graceful. What does it all boil down to? I think you would get a different definition of Grace from nearly anyone you talked to, and I also think some people would have no idea how to describe it, and I think that's for valid reasons. Grace can feel like an elusive term that describes many things which really is describing one thing. And yet despite it's elusiveness, to be called Graceful or if someone said you exuded Grace, would be such a high compliment. So what is it, how do we fall from it, can we give it to ourselves, and how do we become it? Disclaimer: For me, Grace is NOT a religious conversation, but a spiritual. I am by no means advocating a specific religion, and when I say God you can feel free to insert whatever description suits you best; universe, spirit, higher power, goddess etc_____Get the Grace and Space Ritual in video format by going to alyssakuzins.com/episode70 Connect with Alyssa:Instagram

Reiki is the practice of moving and releasing energy for physical, emotional and spiritual blocks to reestablish balance. We hear a lot about Reiki in the woo space, but it’s becoming more and more accepted in the medical sphere to help people heal from cancer patients to surgery, anxiety and more. And folks like Steph Schuler of Rutz skincare, have brought it into the product creation process. Using her skills as a Reiki Master, she believes her products have that extra special ingredient that you can’t see but can feel. I had NEVER done Reiki before, I know, shocker, so I was eager to try it out when Steph offered a session! What I experienced was truly fascinating, and I can only describe it as a massage without an actual massage. Wondering what happened? Curious on how to heal physical pain or remove energetic blocks to create your best life with a method that you haven’t tried yet? Tune in! Or if you have done Reiki, Steph’s story and passion behind creating an intentional product is sure to inspire you in and of itself! ------SHOP ALYSSA'S FAV RUTZ PRODUCTS!*alyssakuzins.com/episode69 *Use code alyssa10 for 10% off your purchase!

This episode is a part of an experiential new series on understanding the brain to live our best lives: Soulful Science! We often hear about rock bottom moments as those with the most life lessons to be had, but what about the times “in between?” The transitions of life. I believe that how we cope with the transitions of life, also says a lot about us individuals. I compare it to a yoga class; I often tell my students that your ability to show grace, strength and control throughout the transition says a lot about the maturity of your practice. The transitional movements are where we see the real “control in the chaos.” I discuss embodying this calm even when life is uncertain and you’re caught in the middle of external chaos. Part two of this episode is all about the brain. More specifically, how our brains are not really wired for uncertainty. I break it down so you understand, neurologically speaking, why stepping outside the box and uncertainty can feel so darn challenging and what you can do it get better at it! Show Notes + Habits of a Happy Brain book:alyssakuzins.com/episode68 Connect with Alyssa:instagram.com/alyssakuzinsalyssakuzins.com/contact

I am a big fan of course correcting. When it feels like a constant uphill battle or you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach that you ought to change direction, I usually listen to that intuitive voice, not to be confused with Fear. In this conversation, Jenna and I chat about her journey in course-correcting namely when she quit her corporate HR job (she got too good at firing people) to pursue entrepreneurship as a six figure digital nomad following several wake-up calls from the Universe. Getting out of the story in your head and making life changes is going to cause waves and feel scary, but with the valuable step-by-step tips in this episode, you’re sure to feel more confident in building an “exit strategy” and allowing yourself to experiment with multiple passions as you shift to find your ultimate alignment. SHOW NOTES + Episode Journal Prompt Questions: alyssakuzins.com/episode67 CONNECT WITH ALYSSA: instagram.com/alyssakuzins

We have all experienced pain, and as humans, suffering is a part of the deal, but why do we suffer AND how is it connected to our Purpose, or as Deneen calls it, our "Holy Assignment?" With her Bachelors and Masters in Psychology along with her inherited Native American spiritual gifts, Deneen shares channeled "sacred revelations" that came while on her own healing journey after contemplating suicide. In discussing her new book, "Soul Wounds and Sacred Revelations," Deneen helps us better understand the point of our pain, how we can heal, and she invites us to look deeper at our own lives and our family's history, even ancestry, to better understand who we are and why we're here so that we may fully awaken and live our best lives, at peace. SHOW NOTES + GET DENEEN'S BOOK: alyssakuzins.com/episode66 CONNECT WITH ALYSSA instagram.com/alyssakuzins or alyssakuzins.com

After 13 years, I finally married the love of my life! It's been two months since Brad and I got married, and I decided to bring him back on the show (as my husband!) to share details about our wedding, our glamping honeymoon adventure, and how life has changed since marriage. As a newlywed, you get asked the question, "Do you feel any different?" a lot, and when we sat down to think about it, we definitely felt there was a shift and we share about we we think that is on this week's episode. 13 years, 2 engagements and 1 wedding later, it felt so good to sit down and record this podcast as husband and wife and we hope you enjoy the typical Brad and Alyssa banter with some deeper reflections, of course! Love the show? Don't forget to give us a 5 star rating or review on iTunes! SHOW NOTES: alyssakuzins.com/episode65 CONNECT WITH ALYSSA: instagram.com/alyssakuzins

Back in January, I declared on the podcast that this would be the year of spaciousness. I felt like my life was too busy, too full, noisy, and overwhelming. Sound familiar? Despite the fact that I loved my work, I felt suffocated. I went on a mission to have more by doing less. Then in June, I stepped away from the podcast and much of my business to focus on getting married. The decision to pull back and commit to internal space creation led to so many incredible revelations and fresh ideas- all of which I share with you in this two part episode series. Part 1 explains what I mean by embodying spaciousness, what I learned from taking time off, and how you too can create space and have more by doing less! Be sure to catch Part 2 where I discuss how all of my revelations has impacted this podcast and my business moving forward + find out how you can work with me 1:1 in my most exciting new offering! SHOW NOTES: alyssakuzins.com/episode63 MAKING SPACE MENTORSHIP: alyssakuzins.com/mentorship CONNECT WITH ALYSSA: instagram.com/alyssakuzins

Back in January, I declared on the podcast that this would be the year of spaciousness. I felt like my life was too busy, too full, noisy, and overwhelming. Sound familiar? Despite the fact that I loved my work, I felt suffocated. I went on a mission to have more by doing less. Then in June, I stepped away from the podcast and much of my business to focus on getting married. The decision to pull back and commit to internal space creation led to so many incredible revelations and fresh ideas- all of which I share with you in this two part episode series. In Part 2, I use my life as an "example in spaciousness" an explain how the revelations I received while making space has impacted the future of this podcast and my business framework moving forward. Plus, find out how you can work with me 1:1 in my most exciting new offering! Be sure to catch Part 1 where I explain what I mean by embodying spaciousness, what I learned from taking time off, and how you too can create space and have more by doing less! SHOW NOTES alyssakuzins.com/episode64 MAKING SPACE MENTORSHIP alyssakuzins.com/mentorship CONNECT WITH ALYSSA instagram.com/alyssakuzins

Sometimes in life we feel the overwhelming urge to blaze forward with passion and enthusiasm for what we’re most excited to pursue next, and other times we get the sense that we need to pull back. This is where I am at right now in my life and business as I prepare to get married next month at the end of July. I’m in a season of life where everything is telling me to pull back, enjoy where I am, and prioritize; especially within the home. In today’s episode I'm checking in on my word for 2018, spaciousness, and I’m sharing from the heart a decision that’s been on my mind; I’m taking a break from the podcast for one month until August. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about this decision for my biz, but as I explain, I know that it will bring clarity and SPACE for what’s next. It’s easy to think that we ALWAYS have to be in a state of blooming and action, but Nature doesn’t work that way, so neither do we. I invite you to give yourself space and grace if that’s what you need right now or in the future when you feel the call to recharge and pull back. How can you honor what season of life you are in right now AND make space for what’s coming?  SHOW NOTES: thejournaldeck.com/episode62 RETREAT: thejournaldeck.com/retreat2018 CONNECT WITH ME: instagram.com/thejournaldeck

He's back for an encore! This week's episode is a special duo podcast with my fiance, Brad. Brad is an Ironman 70.3 Triathlete and a dad dog to Luna. Him and I differ in a lot of ways but share similar values; these similarities in the differences we believe are what make our relationship not only work, but keep things interesting and help us grow together ! He's a former Crossfitter and current swim, bike, runner, and I'm a meditating yoga teacher. Having dated since we were 15 and seeing each other through college only to get engaged, split up, and get re-engaged, we have learned a lot. But one of the main questions that we get is how do stay separate individuals AND have a solid relationship? After all, shouldn’t two become one? With our nuptials coming up in July and after just traveling to finish his second Ironman with another planned for September, we thought this would be a good time to speak on how we sustain an interdependent relationship as whole individuals, the importance of meeting people where they are and he’ll share a bit of his Ironman experiences. Whether you're in a relationship or not, this conversation is sure have you feeling committed to showing up wholly in ALL of your relationships romantic or not, and being met with the same respect. SHOP: thejournaldeck.com/shop BONUS GIFT WITH PURCHASE! The Grounded Goddess Self Care Kit ($70 value) is available for free until June 22nd with any Goddess Edition purchases. Shop at our website. CONNECT: instagram.com/thejournaldeck

Does the manifesting and non-attachment to goals process ever trip you up? Have you ever blamed yourself for manifesting something bad? Do you "should" on your self care or do you ever feel like you if you could just get out of your own way that something amazing would be lying on the other side for you? This week we're having a real talk conversation about the manifestation process and how we unknowingly take ourselves out of the alignment that we deeply seek. While on this spiritual journey, we all need to remember our own humanness and lighten up on ourselves, and Cassie's words helps us do just that with some honest discussion and questions to ask yourself and journal about after the episode. **This week's episode is sponsored by our NEW Goddess Journal Deck + Companion Journal. -Grounded Goddess Self Care Kit ($70 value)- Yours FREE when you buy any Goddess product by June 22nd! SHOP NOW: thejournaldeck.com/shop SHOW NOTES: thejournaldeck.com/episode60 CONNECT WITH ALYSSA: instagram.com/thejournaldeck

What if I told you that you could learn to love your period and even optimize your work flow according to it? For many women, adoring their period sounds ridiculous as it's been a source of pain, annoyance or inconvenience, but in this episode, we attempt to demystify our cycle and address listener questions about birth control effects on the body and cramps. Do we need a period? Are cramps normal? What happens to your body on birth control? Working with Claire's zone of genius, we also talk in depth about how to align your life and work with the natural rhythms of the 4 phases of your cycle which Claire brilliantly relates to the 4 seasons. She even gives us a tip on what time of the month we are the most sensitive to technology! This episode will make you look at your period in a different, more uplifting way and hopefully garner a sense of pride in the miracle of your feminine body! **Register for June in the Self Care Collective (SCC) thejournaldeck.com/selfcarecollective Shownotes: thejournaldeck.com/episode59 Connect With Us: instagram.com/thejournaldeck

In this deep conversation with Australian life coach, Connie Chapman, we dive into all things getting unstuck. Connie's approach and energy feels soft and yet powerful. Without feeling like a how-to guide, our discussion does just that; it's chalk full of wisdom on how to get unstuck and break through limiting beliefs that are holding your back from your best life. We talk about the ways that we get in our own way, such as comparison, lacking action, moving from fear, and defending our wounds as a part of our story. But Connie invites us to honor our individual paths and gifts and relearn love by taking intentional action, deep listening, and owning our part in our suffering. It all comes down to heart and authenticity, and with tangible practices straight from Connie's toolkit you're sure to be on the path to getting unstuck! ***Shop Pre-orders until June 8th: thejournaldeck.com/shop Instagram.com/thejournaldeck SHOW NOTES: thejournaldeck.com/episode58

The creative process is messy and beautiful, and after months of keeping our brand new product a secret, I am so excited to finally share with you our Companion Journal with cover art by today's guest, Jessica Young Intuitive Art! Aside from spilling all the details on the new product which releases May 25th for pre-orders until June 8th, I loved this raw conversation with Jessica on everything from mental health (she's a psycho therapist) to boundary practices, soulful side hustling (so you don't go crazy), art as self care, digital detoxing in a world that craves connection, and collaboration over competition, especially in the creative space. There is more than enough room at the table for your ideas too. PRE-ORDERS OPEN MAY 25TH-JUNE 8TH! Bundle Giveaway: Instagram.com/thejournaldeck Sneak Peak the gorgeous Journal + Goddess Edition Deck: thejournaldeck.com/shop