Sing With Your Feet

Lily is back with an update on that Trans-Atlantic move...and she explores the pre-occupying question: What is home? Not to ruin the surprise, but to get to the answer, we have to pass through the gauntlet of falling madly in love with ourselves. Here is a link to the song "Home" by Phillip Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRkntoHkIE I want to give a great big fairy godmother thank you to Claude Ekwe, who wrote the song "La Joie", to Matt Kugler and the gang who performed it, and to Seven Productions in Mulhouse, France who have graciously let me use it as the intro and outtro to the show. To Jo, Eric and all the team at Seven: I miss you and am so darn proud of you I could burst. Also, thanks to James Jarrett, the new voice you hear in the disclaimer at the top of the pod. I owe you some Reese's, ya junkie.

Creativity is one of the Ideal Life Themes, and it is one that all of us, whether or not we consider ourselves to be creative people, are going to be asked to dabble in at some point in our lives. Lily spills the tea on what it takes to have a successful brainstorming session, including what kind of snacks should be on hand, and how to deal with someone who brings chaos to a meeting.

What are your core convictions about work and personal finances? How you view your work can color how you view all the different aspects of your life...so how is work going right now? And surprise, surprise, Lily thinks that the Golden Rule rules in the workplace. She'll explain this week.

In this episode, Lily returns to the Ideal Life Theme of Parenting, and just how important it is to articulate the kind of parent that we want to be--even if we never arrive at the knee of the Ideal Parent we dream of being. Knowing what kind of parent we want to be gives us a goal and decision making becomes easier.

The Ideal Life Theme of our stuff is in the spotlight. Lily shares some news--plus, takes you on a trip to the 90s with an early morning dance party. Here is Heavy-D and the Boyz singing "Now that we've found love..." Here is Justin Timberlake and "Can't stop the feeling" Here is Dadi Freyr and "Think about things"

It's a different kind of closet talk this week on the podcast. What is the holiest thing you could ever do? Lily thinks that it is falling in love with yourself.

Making space for joy sometimes means we have to peel back some of our comfort. Not a popular idea, but it is one Lily develops this week.

This week we talk about how Ken (yes, of Ken and Barbie fame) broke Lily's heart. Also, how respecting our own wants and needs can create the best possible scenario for everyone.

Impossible, you say? It's impossible in our boring, every day lives to dig in and savor? This week, Lily wants to destroy that myth: We can, even in the mundane, find glimmers of joy.

Lily is back for a new season! This week, Lily shares her theory about why time goes by just so quickly the older we get, and how we can slow down time. Fairy godmother stuff, you know? If you are new to the Ideal Life Exercise, start here. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on the player you are listening on now! A great big thank you to Seven Production in Mulhouse, France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outtro to the show; to Claude Ekwe who wrote it and the fabulous Matt Kugler who sang it.

In this last episode before the summer hiatus, Lily talks about this year's challenge to live out the Golden Rule and some of the hiccups that have appeared along the way.

This week, we look at how we can love ourselves better by planning ahead.

In this week's episode, Lily digs into the topic of post-partum depression, just in time for Mother's Day. As it turns out, even once the fog lifts, there is still work to be done.

Talking points: Our relationship with our stuff; making something new again; falling in love with what we already own; turnabout is fairplay when it comes to the Golden Rule. Links: The Great 2021 Bathrobe Refashion Snow White Goes to the Circus Bob Mackie Scarf

Talking points: celebrating 60 episodes with a top five list; the pursuit of happiness; moments of pleasure; the ideal sex partner. A great big thank you to Seven Production here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who whose new album AVENTURA is out on all the digital music platforms now, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it. Links: LiElla Kelly on Instagram The Virtue Wheel

Talking Points: How I met their father; cigarettes and pitchforks; the Color Wheel and Virtue.

Talking points: Self-Esteem and virtue--how we feel about ourselves can be influenced by how we try to do the right thing; why do I always end up doing the things I don't want to do; prioritizing who I want to be remembered for being, even when it means (gasp!) being late. A great big thank you to Seven Production in Mulhouse, France, for the use of the song "La Joie" as the intro and outtro of the podcast, to Claude Ekwe who wrote it, and Matt Kugler who sang. You can find Matt's album Aventura on all the digital music platforms.

Lily is on vacation with Charming and the Scalawags, but she thought you might love this rebroadcast of Episode 2: You Are A Hero. We'll catch up soon! Until then, be extraordinary, Cinderella!!

This week, we have a special guest! Charming Fields is back to talk about one of his favorite topics: Etymology. Specifically, the etymology of virtue. We'll also break down our reactions to the list of 101 virtues we've been grading ourselves on. No, good grades don't mean we're super virtuous, and bad grades don't mean we're depraved ingrates. Next week you won't have a new episode in your feed...we'll be taking a little vacation. A great big thank you to Seven Productions in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outtro of the show, to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

As promised, this mini-episode contains Lily explaining the virtue quiz, and then reading off the 101 virtues that you are going to grade yourself on. Here is a link to a downloadable version of the quiz: See you next week to unpack our answers!https://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2023/03/30/episode-55-what-will-they-say/

Talking Points: Let's be a fly on the wall at your funeral; Why talking about values is perilous; What do color and virtue have in common? Here is the link to that document I promised in the episode: https://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2023/03/30/episode-55-what-will-they-say/ A great big thank you to Seven rPoduction here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who whose new album AVENTURA is out on all the digital music platforms now, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking points: Breaking the cycle of shopping addiction; contentment hunting; being a good steward; the Dopamine Loop; finding motivation to stop shopping. A big thank you to Seven Productions here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, as well as Matt Kugler, whose new album Aventura is out now on all the digital music platforms, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe, who wrote it.

Talking Points: Can happiness be found at the bottom of a shopping bag? Avoiding impulse buys; escaping temptation; it takes a village to stop shopping. This episode part of a series about how understanding our relationship to clothes and our closet can lead to a more enjoyment and less stress. A great big thank you to Seven production here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who you can find on social media as Matt hyphen K, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: The Seasonal Wardrobe changeover; methods for choosing what to wear; the benefits of falling in love with your wardrobe; a plea to stop shopping. Here is Jennifer L. Scott's TED Talk about the Ten-Item Wardrobe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3CLRL32Mcw This episode part of a series about how understanding our relationship to clothes and our closet can lead to a more enjoyment and less stress. A great big thank you to Seven production here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who you can find on social media as Matt hyphen K, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Decluttering guilt; Closet swaps, donation boxes and the landfill. Plus, the first step to loving your wardrobe is not to start shopping. This episode part of a series about how understanding our relationship to clothes and our closet can lead to a more enjoyment and less stress. A great big thank you to Seven production here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who you can find on social media as Matt hyphen K, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking points: Decluttering-a way to grieve a life you don't have anymore. Also...why in the world is this in my closet at all? And I love this, but...Plus a primer on refashioning. A great big thank you to Seven production here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who you can find on social media as Matt hyphen K, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Valentine's Day--it's for you; Can love be measured? Being your own special guest. The work of Steve Biddulph, author of "Raising Boys", can be found here: https://www.stevebiddulph.com/Site_1/Home.html A very special Valentine's Day thank you to Seven Productions here in Mulhouse, France, for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outtro of the show, to Matt Kugler, whom you can find on social media as Matt-K, who sang it, and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: What is actually in your closet? How knowing what is in your closet can help put a brake on out-of-control spending. Here is the link to the Closet Inventory Download. This episode part of a series about how understanding our relationship to clothes and our closet can lead to a more enjoyment and less stress. A great big thank you to Seven Production here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who you can find on social media as Matt hyphen K, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Heartspace and Headspace; the recursive shapes of our life; Mise en Place and decisions. When we know what we want for our life, it makes all of our decisions easier--including what we wear. Thank you to Seven Productions in Mulhouse France for the use of the song "La Joie" as the intro and outtro of the show, to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Antiquities, Costumes and Sentimental Items. The contents of our closets are not just things we wear, but we insist on treating them as such. It is useful to start viewing some of the things in our closets as souvenirs or artifacts.

Talking Points: Why do you wear what you wear?; Living off the land (AKA stop shopping!); doing a closet inventory. This episode is the first in a series about how understanding our relationship to clothes and our closet can lead to a more enjoyment and less stress. A great big thank you to Seven Production here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outro to the show, to Matt Kugler, who you can find on social media as Matt hyphen K, who sang it and to Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Disappointment isn't just for kids on Christmas Day; the origin of disappointment and how it can lead to rage; constructive ways to deal with disappointment in the long-term and the short-term; holding space for others as they let disappointment run its course. A special thank you to Seven Productions here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song "La Joie" as the intro and outtro to the show, to Matt Kugler (Matt-K on social media) who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Why resolutions don't stick; the importance of remembering; the secret to finding motivation for a resolution. Thank you for spending this year with me, Cinderella! I wish you all the best for a very happy 2023! A great big thank you to Seven Productions here in Mulhouse, France, for the use of the song "La Joie" as the intro and outtro to the show, to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: The Christmas Day Troublemakers; The gift receiver templates: Quantity v Quality, Sentimental v Practical, Surprise or Anticipation; Giving money as a gift. A great big thank you to Seven Productions in Mulhouse, France, for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outtro of the show; to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: What is the one thing that you need most deeply in your soul? How can you turn that intangible idea into something tangible? It can be done, but you need to let yourself dream for a little bit. Also: how understanding your love language, and that of the people you love can help you be a better gift-giver this year. Here is a link to that amazing key change Lily talked about (check it out at 1:50): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gnypiKNaJE&ab_channel=OriginalBroadwayCastofHamilton-Topic Here is a link to Dr. Gary Chapman's website so you can read up about the 5 Love Languages: https://5lovelanguages.com/learn A great big thank you to Seven Productions in Mulhouse, France, for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outtro of the show; to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Unhooking ourselves from the expectations of others; the lowest common denominator for joy; imagining our ideal holidays; taking care of ourselves. A great big thank you to Seven Productions in Mulhouse, France, for the use of the song La Joie as the intro and outtro of the show; to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking points: Contempt is a commitment killer; facing our fear of discomfort; accepting the consequences of leaving a commitment; forgiving ourselves.

Talking points: Things little and big that we can do to make progress; the humble checklist; if all else fails, do something nice! Heads up! If you need help navigating an exit of an uncomfortable situation, Lily wants to help. Drop her a line: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com, or on Instagram, Lily Fields Challenge. A great big thank you to Seven Productions, https://7prod.fr/, here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie for the Intro and Outtro to the show. Also, thanks to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: I need to think! Escaping from the rabbit holes; how what is pissing you off can help you make progress; how ignoring our basic needs can lead to stagnation. If you have a question about the Ideal Life Exercise, drop Lily a line: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com A great big thank you to Seven Productions, https://7prod.fr/, here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie for the Intro and Outtro to the show. Also, thanks to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: A listener question about a very very bad trip to the pumpkin patch; avoiding self-judgment and self-criticism; a safe place to perform self-surgery (you'll see. It'll make sense once you listen!)

Talking points: The Good Girl Paradox and the Mama Paradox: how they keep us from being able to articulate what is going well in our lives. Also, how finding yourself interesting can make you more interesting (oh yeah, baby. It's all about the Golden Rule.) If you have a question about the Ideal Life Exercise, drop Lily a line: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com A great big thank you to Seven Productions, https://7prod.fr/, here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie for the Intro and Outtro to the show. Also, thanks to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Show Notes Talking Points: Ready for take-off! Getting into the pilot's seat; all the bells and whistles; getting your wiring straightened out; your flightplan. Links: The Virtue Game: Play Along at Home: http://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2021/01/20/the-virtue-game-play-along-at-home/

Talking Points: Episode 33 is the final episode in our series on the Ideal Life Categories, this week's theme being "Craft and Creativity." The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up! Links: You can contact Lily by email: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com, or find her other work here: https://linktr.ee/lilyfieldschallenge A great big thank you to Seven Productions, https://7prod.fr/, here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie for the Intro and Outtro to the show. Also, thanks to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: “Not on my Green Parenting Bingo Card,” LiElla is back!; Geeking out and going out green. Episode 32 is part of our series on the Ideal Life Categories, this week's theme being "Environment and Ecology." The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up! Links: Learn more about LiElla Kelly, Death Doula, on her website and blog, Leaving Well…The Blog. or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaving.well.death.doula/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=leaving%20well%20end-of-life%20planning You can contact Lily by email: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com, or find her other work here: https://linktr.ee/lilyfieldschallenge

Talking Points: Rage; Sublimation; Mental Hygiene. Episode 31: Mental Health is part of our series on the Ideal Life Categories. The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up. Links: The Great Bathrobe Refashion: http://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2021/05/18/the-great-2021-bathrobe-refashion/ Rage Refashioning: http://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2021/05/27/rage-refashioning/ Sublimation: http://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2021/06/09/sublimation/ You can contact Lily by email: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com. A great big thank you to Seven Productions here in Mulhouse, France for the use of the song "La Joie" as the intro and outtro to the show. Thanks also to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Where do you keep your heart?; The Mandy and Jenny doll tragedy; You should really stop shopping. Episode 30: is part of our series on the Ideal Life Categories, this week's theme being "Contentment." The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up! Links: You Should Really Stop Shopping: http://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2021/10/25/you-should-really-stop-shopping-part-one-living-off-the-land/ You can contact Lily by email: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com, or find her other work here: https://linktr.ee/lilyfieldschallenge A great big thank you to Seven Productions, https://7prod.fr/, here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie for the Intro and Outtro to the show. Also, thanks to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Enthusiasm and healthy skepticism as tools for making commitments that stick; breaking down the commitment making progress so that you won't dread them in the future. Episode 29: is part of our series on the Ideal Life Categories, this week's theme being "Commitments." The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up!

Talking Points: Are long-term married people fundamentally different from the rest of us?; My Favorite Funeral; Sex Ed: not just for giggling teenagers. Episode 28: Lucidly Ever After is part of our series on the Ideal Life Categories, this week's theme being "Marriage." The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up! https://lilyfieldschallenge.com/2022/09/01/episode-28-lucidly-ever-after/

Talking Points: What is Passion, anyway?; Taking risks and getting out of our comfort zones; Dungeons, Dragons and Death. Episode 27: Passionately Curious is part of our series on the Ideal Life Categories, this week's theme being "Spiritual Life." The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up! Links: Learn more about LiElla Kelly, Death Doula, on her website and blog, Leaving Well…The Blog. or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaving.well.death.doula/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=leaving%20well%20end-of-life%20planning You can contact Lily by email: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com, or find her other work here: https://linktr.ee/lilyfieldschallenge A great big thank you to Seven Productions, https://7prod.fr/, here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie for the Intro and Outtro to the show. Also, thanks to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.

Talking Points: Setting boundaries in relationships; the destructive power of secrets in relationships; investing our resources in relationships does not mean bankrupting ourselves. Episode 26:  is part of our series on the Ideal Life Categories, this week's theme being "Spiritual Life." The series began back in Episode 15: The One About Our Bodies, in case you want to get caught up! Links: Learn more about LiElla Kelly, Death Doula, on her website and blog, Leaving Well…The Blog. or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaving.well.death.doula/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=leaving%20well%20end-of-life%20planning You can contact Lily by email: lily@lilyfieldschallenge.com, or find her other work here: https://linktr.ee/lilyfieldschallenge A great big thank you to Seven Productions, https://7prod.fr/,  here in Mulhouse France for the use of the song La Joie for the Intro and Outtro to the show. Also, thanks to Matt Kugler who sang it and Claude Ekwe who wrote it.