Teaching Yourself to Learn

When we think about the stages of a rose from seed, to bud formation, to swelling and anthesis, until it finally wilts. Through each stage of the lifecycle it can be a slow and steady journey that can test the patience of even the most advanced gardeners. Today I want to share with you a beautiful story inspired by my grandson Noah. Listen in as I reflect and think about: The third half of life is a new stage of opportunity and strength. Admiration and taking in all senses of an experience, through the lens of a child and finding surprise meaning. Change within different stages of life. Learning how to tolerate uncertainty and find a new path for yourself. Creativity and inspiration for your path in life. As always I encourage you to share your words and share your story. If you would like to apply to be a guest on the Podcast please fill out your contact information here.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.   This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up.   Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author.

It does not matter what you have been through, where you have been or what has happened up to the third half of your life, you can make a change. And my guest today is Professor Theresa Agostinelli who shares her story of resilience, grit and fortitude. Join with me as I chat with Theresa about: Her journey from anxiety, shyness and depression and the healing journey she gifted herself to make significant changes in her life. How she has been given the spirit of power so we can empower others. Her G.R.I.D. system which helps to overcome environments which cause negativity. Self-sabotage and unworthiness that we feel as women and how it is instilled into us. Daily discipline and training of your mind. To follow Theresa and find out more about her work you can visit her website at https://www.profwithpurpose.com/ or follow her on Instagram and we look forward to another exciting conversation next week.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.   This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up.   Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author.  

Beth Brown has had her fair share of ‘life' and all its happenings. Depression, divorce, starting all over again with 3 kids and panic attacks, lead to a catalyst for change when she could hardly leave the house living alongside fear. Even through all the ups and downs she has experienced, she still feels ‘rich' with joy, has devoted herself to healing and shines a light through the darkness. Currently, Beth is living a life she never dreamt possible through finding a passion for marketing (which was quietly alongside her much of her life) and choosing joy. Listen in as I chat with Beth about: Paying attention to the small voice and finding gratitude when things are rough and you're angry in between it all. A rich life filled with good people, good experiences and more than monetary things. The light at the end of the tunnel that comes to us, that we don't have to make up.   It's clear Beth has come out the other side much stronger and with a depth to her life which shines through this conversation. To connect with Beth and find out more please visit her website www.shinesocialco.media, Instagram or send her an email hello@shinesocialco.media.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.   This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up.   Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author. 

Sometimes we may think we know someone who we've witnessed in our life, yet find out it isn't all it appears to be to the outside world. Today I sat down with another retired English teacher, Gwen Parker. Gwen has been an inspiration to me over the years, specifically when it comes to her involvement in One-Act Plays, her students and consistently overcoming her own fears and chronic shyness. Listen in as we chat about: Going outside the comfort zone and following the curves in the road. Pushing ourselves to what we thought was never possible. Trusting God has a plan and when faced with retirement how important it is to find purpose and fulfilment. Healthy competition, a weight loss adventure and striving for greatness. Finding community and friends who are like family and hardly able to express their significance in your life. Viewing retirement as a possibility, not as an ending.   This was such a delightful conversation and definitely creates an everlasting memory in my heart. I encourage you to connect further with Gwen via Instagram @gwenjohnsonparker her website and facebook to connect.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach me at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up. Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author.

Our guest today is Diane Martinez, and she brings a certain energy to this conversation that is electrifying, and I reckon you'll love it as much as I do. Diane starts with the famous quote from Abraham Hicks, ‘Everything is always working out for me,' and from there, the conversation really takes off. Diane truly understands what it's like to know you have more to offer the world and knows we can either drift through life or consciously create it. Listen in as I chat with Diane about: Quiet confidence and peace in our own mindsets and how it isn't up to us to force life into certain configurations. Opportunities that present themselves when we're in a state of resistance, and how we can fail to see opportunities in front of us. How she found courage and strength moving overseas from everything she had ever known and how this changed the trajectory of her life. Taking care of our mind, spirit, and body and how it can benefit our life as a result. How there is a momentum of beliefs that has taught us we can't trust ourselves and that the answers lie outside us, changing this mindset and what that means moving forward. Please follow Diane and her wonderful work on Instagram or via her website https://consciouscreatinglifecoaching.com/ and text 404.439.9383.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story. You can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more, please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up. Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author.

Even as a writer, there are times when I struggle to find the words to express how much certain moments in my life mean to me. All the way from earliest childhood memories until now there has been one particular person who has been there every step of the way, and that is my mom. Today we bring you a very special mother's day episode with myself and my brother Pete Hale. My mom (Jerry) is inspirational to all those who know her, and this conversation is very near and dear to my heart.   Words can hardly describe, take a listen for yourself inside. www.teachingyourselftolearn.com

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Y'all know that I love a good quote: after all, it's one of the opening questions I have asked each one of my guests for the podcast, and today is no different. However, I'd love to throw in a bonus quote for you today from a famous movie that includes fried green tomatoes, the Whistle Stop Cafe, and Fannie Flagg. “It's funny when you're a child, you think time will never go by, but when you hit about twenty, time passes like you're on the fast train to Memphis. I guess life just slips up on everybody. It sure did on me.” I find this quote so relevant to both the conversation in this episode and as we navigate through this third half of life. Today's guest is dear to my heart and actually the mom of Melissa Stecher, who I chatted to all the way back in episode 14. Kim Stetcher is a devout Catholic Christian and keener than her beans gardener. Listen in as we chat about: Building a circle of love. A prayer group that has been going strong since 2004 and provided phenomenal support even more than anyone thought possible. How Kim's gardening love has developed and played a part in her life through her dad, family, mentors, and working career. Starting small with seeds and now growing to schedules, plans, and all the wisdom along the way. The difference between heirloom seeds can make and how Kim's family is now on board to build a legacy and help her produce enough to share with friends, family and support services in the community. How to start, even if you're a complete beginner. The benefits of growing your own produce and how easy it can be to start with a seed. Kim is developing ways to share her wisdom and skills, and in the meantime, I invite you to reach out to me with any questions and comments at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.   To connect and apply to be a guest and share your story, you can reach Holly at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.   This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more, please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up.   Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author.  

This episode piggybacks off last week's solo episode - although without so much of a Walton reference inside. If you've listened along with the Podcast for a while now you know Holly loves a good quote or few and today is no different. She opens with the quote from Jackson Pollock which says - the secret to success is to be fully awake to everything about you. Listen as Holly explores this very concept in her third half of life and talks about: Stepping back and taking a 360 degree look at every aspect that has to do with you including likes and dislikes, dreams and desires and where your inner world may have been influenced by that external to you. Think about what you keep coming back to. Often we find that it does present itself again in this third half of life journey. A fun and simple exercise that Holly found herself coming back to years after she was witness to it. A wonderful reminder when we find ourselves in a funk and veering off track. The noise that we often have around us when it comes to what we should, could and would be doing.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.   This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up.   Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author.  

I'm a self-confessed sentimental, nostalgic type of person and over the years have loved to sit down with the Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, Gilligan's Island and The Brady Bunch, to name a few, and today's episode is actually inspired by a Waltons episode! The episode has a pivotal message of following your heart and encouraging us to figure out what we want by simply stepping forward. I expand on this concept in this episode with further thoughts involving: The John Barrymore quote A man is not old, until regrets take the place of dreams. How this quote is relevant even 100 years later and how generations benefit from these words and experiences, especially in their third half of life. Coming back to recurring themes in our lives, paths and signs that resurface, something that you are passionate about and is difficult to get out of your mind. Sentimental and nostalgic moments through memories with the box. How they can evoke further thoughts and memories and my reflections with these moments.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach me at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com.   This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up.   Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author.

*Trigger warning. This episode contains talk of attempted suicide and may be confronting for some listeners. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in your local area. There is help available for you.   There are often events throughout our lives that shake us to our core. Past relationships which are unhealthy with harmful patterns can push us to the limit. Unfortunately Debbie Griffiths was driven to her peak after experiencing domestic violence for over 17 years. At 63, she feels like her life is just beginning. She has now published a book to help others and come through stronger, healed by taking one step and a time and rebuilding a life worth living. Listen in as Holly and Debbie discuss: How everything that has happened has brought her to this point.  Each stepping stone prepared for the next step, including twists and turns and the whole nine yards. Accepting responsibility and moving forward. Getting better at speaking up for what we need. How her suicide attempt opened her eyes to make a change to her life and how it took a while to understand and recognize what was happening. Giving back to others. Bringing awareness to others to help them recogize the signs and learning how to take care of ourselves. The important basic human need to be loved and to love in return. How we are not made to stay stuck. The opportunity in the third half of life to ask what it is we want to do. To find out more about Debbie, take a look at her book Torched, Burnt By a Gaslighter please visit her website www.brokentoboldness.com  you can also find her on Instagram @debbiegriffiths581, Facebook and LinkedIn. This episode is made possible by the New Author Intensive. To find out more please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and use coupon code NEWAUTHOR for $100 off when you sign up. Because while everyone is not a writer, anyone can become an author. To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

There comes a point in time when you know what you're doing doesn't work, it hasn't gotten good results and you want to take steps to make it better. This rule can definitely be applied to our health and today's guest is an advocate for feeling good through our food choices. Former wellness designer, Suzanne Roth Paul is now known as a Wellness Warrior and she works with women ranging from 40-60 and stands for the silent, high achieving professional women who have had their health on the backburner. Listen in as Holly and Suzanne chat about: Looking at root causes for health issues that we often carry for much of our lives. Very often women spend their entire lives taking care of their families and how that impacts our third half of life. Consuming certain foods on a daily basis rather than in moderation and how sometimes you cannot alleviate certain foods all together. How we hear wheat, gluten, sugar, oils and more are not good for us, however don't' do anything about it. Stabilizers, chemicals and other ingredients that are put into food to increase shelf life and ‘taste' good. How much all of it contributes to toxicity and diseases. Staying informed and educating yourself, while also taking action for our health today.   It is clear through this conversation that Suzanne has a passion for health and wellness and believes that we simply cannot do great things when we don't feel good. Changing the way we think about and view food can be done through Suzanne's ebook Poisons in your Pantry. Suzanne also really enjoys providing half hour discovery calls with women who would like to brainstorm and find healing from pain. Find out more here.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

There is a certain atmosphere in the conversation contained in this episode of the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast. Holly is joined with Kathy Magan Smith from aray wellness and blown away with the nuggets of wisdom, expertise and learnings within her ears. Kathy is passionate about embracing a holistic lifestyle for women in their third half of life. She uses the acronym R.E.I.N.S. to explore and explain an approach which fulfils those around her. Listen in as Holly and Kathy chat about: How can we give back? If we learn something that gives depth to our lives, we can help others in the process which is both powerful and intriguing at the same time. How there is medicine in illness. When sick there is a vulnerability that means we can learn a lot about ourselves, our resiliency and create our own first aid kits. The happiness curve. Is it the real deal? Does age matter? What happens when we lessen the stress and resistance and accept where we are at different points in our lives? Taking initiatives and efforts to plan and make friendships work. The importance of conversations for our wellness and happiness. When we show up for others when we need it, they're also there for us. Three questions from this episode that really left a mark are how can I give back? How do I show up? What's missing? To learn more about Kathy and her work please visit her website www.araywellness.com where you can contact her in relation to her retreats and work as mentioned in this episode. You can also find out more about Kathy via her Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. You can also access Kathy's free gift, Three Secrets for Unstoppable Energy using Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science for Women 55+ here and be in touch through her email kathy@araywellness.com.   To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach Holly at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via the website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

Join Holly for this solo episode as she learns and recognises the importance of the spring and in particular the cleaning and cleansing process. This time of year, is one of migration, the weather is starting to get warmer, days longer as we open the windows to let the fresh air swirl. Listen as Holly reflects on what that means for her and thinks about: ·       Nostalgia, smells and emotions that intermingle in her memory and have carried across generations. ·       How it is not just the house we are cleaning, but also our own internal cleanse as well for preparation of the season to come. ·       To die for pear salad and foods which evoke all sorts of spring memories. ·       Being present, conscious and more as we repeat the same rhythms and patterns we have for several years. So, as you also approach spring or whatever season this podcast episode finds you in, think about how you can clean your mind, heart, and actions as well. This conversation is one of many which share stories within the walls of this Podcast and beyond. To apply to be a guest and find out more please connect with Holly at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com

Lisa Holzberger took a leap of faith which has come back to repay her in ways she never imagined. At 50, she found herself needing to branch out and start her own business, Prestige Realty and Property Management Services. As you listen to her talk about how that happened and the stepping stones for her it is nothing short of inspirational. Listen as Holly and Lisa discuss: When you feel that you can't go any further and how sometimes we need a wake up call to stop and keep your ears and eyes open. When changes to your employment don't coincide with what you envisioned for your job and the path we want to take. When we get to the stage where we think what do we have to lose? How Holly has dipped her toe into entrepreneurship, even if she didn't realise it at the time. Getting out of negativity and anger, how we mellow as we age and sometimes it's not what you say but how you say it that matters. I highly recommend that you follow Lisa on her Instagram @lisaholzberger and visit her website to find out more. This conversation is one of many which share stories across the globe. To apply to be a guest please connect with Holly at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

Holly and Cathy are like two peas in a pod, and, in fact, two is the amount of times Cathy has now appeared on the Podcast. Returning inspired, tenacious and more life in her than ever – Cathy shares the changes since appearing on the Podcast in October 2021. Cathy is now a five-time Amazon #1 best-selling author, coach and mentor whose career is dedicated to helping women tap into their own greatness. Listen as Holly and Cathy discuss: ·       The aliveness of opportunities, possibilities and hitting the tipping point when the positive world wins. ·       The stories we tell ourselves and limitations that can come alongside that. Plus, becoming an author in a book and how it helps clarify your own story, bring out your message and support your own direction. ·       Confidence is not about knowing that you know how to do something but knowing that you can figure it out. ·       The difference in retirement now and how little time we may have had after retirement compared to now. Cathy is a real life example of how everyone has a story and if your trajectory is not serving you, changing to find what makes you happy and satisfied. When accepting that transformation stage, it's painful and messy, yet necessary to come out the other side. To find out more about Cathy please visit her website and/or connect with her on LinkedIn.   To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com and her website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. We look forward to you tuning again next week.

There is something quite enduring and spectacular about one's closest and most cherished friend. Holly is joined with one of her greatest friends, Jennifer Ryan, for a memorable and ‘inspire you to do better' conversation. Even Holly is surprised that they haven't joined together after so many episodes. Yet, it is worth the wait as Holly and Jennifer chat about: When life is happening thick and fast, allowing ourselves to stop and think - can I change it? Grief, loss and coping. Inspiring yourself and others to leave a legacy in place of guilt and placing rules on how we grieve. Life as a pot of boiling water. The difference between carrots and eggs. Taking action from a Podcast episode and receiving benefits far beyond what was imagined. There were many references referred to in this episode. Including Holly's Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast episode 38 A Reason, a Season, a Lifetime, Widow To Widow: Thoughtful, Practical Ideas For Rebuilding Your Life by Genevieve Davis Ginsburg, The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change by Jon Gordon and Damon West, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World by Damon West and The Coffee Bean for Kids by Jon Gordon and Damon West.   We hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as we did and to connect and find out more about Holly you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. Here's to transforming our third half of life through teaching ourselves to learn.

As many of us approach our third half of life we want to be able to say we have no regrets, we gave it our all. A big part of being able to embrace that philosophy is welcoming transitions and learning how to deal with difficult change. Today's guest has done exactly that. A fellow Texan, Debbie Saviano retired from being a school principal and transitioned full force into the entrepreneurial world. Listen as Holly and Debbie discuss: Navigating the school system as a go getter and allowing differences to empower you. Hitting the ground running and educating yourself in areas which may seem foreign. How your age can be a huge asset, especially when challenging the status quo. Being aware of what's going on in the world when making a transition and putting your efforts into learning so you can provide help for others. Debbie is a burst of energy and teaches us to go for our dreams and enjoy the process. To find out more about Debbie please connect with her on LinkedIn and via her website debbiesaviano.com.   To connect and find out more about Holly you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and we look forward to you listening again next week.  

There are so many fallacies we are fed about ageing and what that looks like for our third half of life. Holly is on a mission to combat myths such as letting ourselves wither away and sit around doing nothing. Today she talks about happiness and ageing and how important it is to embrace our relationships and inspires us to indulge and participate fully in our lives. Listen as she expands on: A Harvard Study started in 1938 which explores important aspects of happiness and longevity of life. Investing, listening and being present with people and building positive relationships which breed positivity and happiness. How change is inevitable. Small ways we can focus on happiness and striving to be happy every day. The quotes and extracts referenced in this episode include Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn, The happiness curve:why life gets better after 50 and The Age of Miracles:Embracing the New Midlife by Marianne Williamson.   To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com and her website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. We look forward to you tuning again next week.  

We're back for Part 2 of an absolutely enjoyable and heartfelt conversation with Karen Hoffman. Karen continues where she left off last week with her Words That Matter cards which have now extended to include cards for adults, teens and children alike. Listen as Holly and Karen continue in chatter and natter about: Playing Go Fish with Values and the opportunities that await in doing so. Learning and listening from experiences and watching creativity and other gifts unfold. Keeping doors open to every experience. How often in our third half of life we can see an alignment with roles we have had previously and how they are now shining in the joy of this stage. Karen has a wonderful gift to discover what is within by asking questions, defining and paying attention to what matters. References mentioned in this episode include The Space Between No Longer and Not Yet by Nancy Levin and When Someone Deeply Listens to You by John Fox. To find Karen's Card Decks you can visit her website www.livingonpurpose.us and email her at Karen@livingonpurpose.us.   To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com 

What happens when two Texans meet in conversation and nerd out on words that matter? A purposeful, motivational and insightful conversation! Karen Hoffman joins Holly on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today. When she turned 60 at the end of 2020, Karen left her professional position as an administrator of a nonprofit, and founded he business, Living on Purpose, in early 2021, after taking a few months of what she refers to as a sabbatical - a period of time to rewire, not retire—a time to learn, listen, read, discuss and create her next chapter of life. Listen as Holly and Karen chat about: Sabbatical and significant transformation. Changing our thinking about what a sabbatical means and looks like. Living on purpose and bringing attention to intention. Words that Matter and how her Mom contributed to her success (even if she wondered how on earth that would happen) Listening to the voice inside us that whispers all day long. To find out more about Karen you can visit her website www.livingonpurpose.us and email her at Karen@livingonpurpose.us. The full version of the poems quoted in this episode are The Guest House by Rumi and The Voice by Shel Silverstein. To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com.

In this solo episode, Holly talks about making adjustments in life and how adjustments are nothing more than change. She provides examples of how we do this on a daily basis for different outcomes. Listen as Holly offers tangible steps to make adjustments and two types of adjustments we encounter in life: the adjustments we make every day to learn to function in society  the adjustments we make to achieve something Holly also talks a little bit about her New Author Intensive, which helps anyone wanting to share their story, leave a legacy, further their business, or share their knowledge but writing a book but doesn't know how to get started.  You can find out more about the New Author Intensive or learn how to be a guest on her podcast at https://www.teachingyourselftolearn.com/.  

Have you ever met someone so fierce, so beautiful and so empowering that they changed the whole trajectory of your life? That's exactly what happened to Holly when she met the guest today on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast. Kim White is all things extra. She accepts and truly listens to all aspects of you, including the messy and ugly parts and is living proof of exactly what is possible when we allow ourselves to learn and join together in community. Listen as Holly and Kim chat about: Being audacious, extra and not scared to try. Entrepreneurship early in life, before even knowing what it meant, what it looked like and the many lessons learnt along the way (beware of the Kool-aid stand!) Slowing down to speed up. See what's important, get clear and own it. Creating a business that supports our lives, not the other way round. This conversation is funny, kind, jovial and one that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. To find out more about Kim you can visit her website www.mysexybusiness.com. To find out more about how you can share your story to become a published author as mentioned in this episode please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com/newauthorintensive. To connect and find out more about Holly you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com and we look forward to you listening again next week.  

Linda Bonney is usually found behind the scenes of the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast. Usually in the wee hours of the night, across the other side of the globe in a little island called Tasmania. If you have been following along, this is not her first appearance - yet in this formal instance she chats with Holly about: What transformation looks like, and how we often perform for others. The process, application and realities of Dream, Doubt and Do. Adaptation to change, the pendulum that we experience in transformation. Dreams and motivations moving forward in the third half of life. This conversation is actually two friends catching up and the vibrancy and wonderful dynamic of that is infectious and a big part of why we do what we do. To find out more about Linda Bonney and to follow more of current projects such as Stories With a Sunday Roast and The Doyle Avenue Project please visit www.lindabonney.com. To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com and her website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

Rather than resolutions, Holly has chosen a word of the year and it's really helped her to be more intentional about thoughts and actions. From experience, it can really help you to hone in on what you want more of in your life for both long and short term benefits. Holly explores her own experiences in this first solo episode for 2023 and chats about: The benefits of having a word to provide an anchor and encourage you to think both consciously and subconsciously about what you want more of and what you want less of in your life.  How Holly hopes to apply her word to every aspect of her life in 2023. Thinking about what to improve, do differently and what we want more of in our lives. To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via her website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. Until next week, have a think about your word and feel free to share.  

Even in my third half of life prime time, I am still learning. And this week I was blown sideways by an event that has happened many times before, yet I saw with a rejuvenated freshness and upper level of learning. Listen to this final solo episode for 2022 as Holly reflects on: How moments of joy can brighten each day when we just pay attention. The dreams we have in our life and how sometimes we can have dreams we don't even realise until they happen. The roles we have in our lives and embracing the importance alongside. Being someone's somebody and the tremendous amount of joy that can result. As we wrap up the Podcast for 2022, I thank you for your continued support and listenership. The Podcast has matured and developed greatly over 2022 and I look forward to what 2023 has in store. I would love it if you could leave me a rating or review on your Podcast app to reach as many people as possible and provide the motivation and inspiration that we all need. To connect and find out more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach me at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or via my website www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.  

There is a Tanzanian Proverb which says “Little by little, a little becomes a lot”. And while the Podcast conversation with Ally Rose may be a little snippet in your life, it provides a whole lot of insight and learnings as a result. Ally is an  Author, Certified Life and Wellness Coach and Mental Health Therapist. She is passionate about empowering her clients to shift the stories that are no longer serving them, so that they can make peace with their pasts, find their power and purpose in the present moment, and feel more deeply fulfilled than they ever thought possible. Listen as Holly and Ally discuss: The stories in our heads and how being aware of them is the first major step into making a change. Internal programming about who we really are and where it fits into our third half of life. Emotional check-ins. How they help and how we can work towards checking in while actually experiencing something. The power of affirmations. How a life changing moment turned into a lifelong project and now assists and helps others.   To find out more about Ally please visit https://www.instagram.com/yourstorymatters.love and https://www.thedivinepause.com/. You can access the a free 30-day guest pass and content on the Aura app as mentioned in this episode by visiting: https://aurahealth.io/guestpass/ally-rose.   To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com 

LauraJo Richins is absolutely rocking her third half of life. She has a phenomenal personal story which has allowed her to recognise the power behind transformation, which now means she is on a mission to help other women transform theirs. List as Holly and LauraJo discuss: How we are all Artists in our own way and rediscovering our concept and approach to the word ‘art' to include us. Filling from an empty cup. How we cannot please others without looking after ourselves, bringing a new light to how and where we can achieve this and finding personal time for ourselves. Teaching further generations in our third half of life and setting them up for knowledgeable success in areas that lessons have been learnt. Living life without force. Life in alignment with our head, heart and gut included.   LauraJo displays love from the inside out and it oozes itself into all the spaces of this conversation. There are many areas and topics of conversation which may even require a revisited episode in the future!   To find out more about LauraJo you can visit www.laurajo.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.   To connect and find out more about Holly you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and we look forward to you listening again next week.

Todays guest opens with the phenomenal quote by Vivian Green “life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” And the power of this quote alongside the conversation you witness is beyond uplifting. Melissa Bottorff-Arey is a wife, mother of three, and grandma to four (the last role is her favorite, but don't tell!) After achieving her dream vocation, this former Executive Chef retired her whisk in favor of working at a more leisurely pace of 24/7 as an author, advocate & dedicated entrepreneur. Less of a choice, and more of a calling, these roles came about after the unexpected death of her 21-year old son …making the choice to put the shattered pieces of her heart back together since, she now helps others do the same. She has even turned her ‘gift of gab' into a weekly podcast where she has hard, but meaningful conversations with other loss survivors.  To find out more about Melissa please visit www.theleftoverpieces.com/  because Melissa thinks that when you have a passion for what you do, you needn't force a hobby, but she can be spied growing many plants from the dirt and can even still be found in the kitchen chopping, dicing and sautéeing- just for the sheer love of it!   To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn.com

In 2019, I felt stuck and didn't know where my life was leading me. Through a 30-day challenge, I found the boost I needed to start making a change, the confidence to know I can do anything one day at a time, the courage to start and move forward, and the importance of a community of like-minded people. My challenge to you is to tackle a 30-day challenge to help bridge the gap you may be feeling between where you are and where you would like to be. Choose a challenge that will take you out of your comfort zone a little, so you can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.  When you choose a challenge, let me know what you are doing and with whom. I will be here to cheer you on! You can reach me at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com or through my website at teachingyourselftolearn.com. As always, share your words and share your story because you never know who needs to hear exactly what you have to say!

I don't remember all of my teachers, but I do remember certain moments throughout my school life which have really instilled themselves within my memory bank. In particular I remember Miss Steph's class in fourth grade. She put me at a desk which was on the row by the windows and in front of me was a poem on the cabinet. I looked at it every day and loved it and it was not until I was older I could really appreciate the words. It is called Kindly Little Deed by Wihla Hutson and that is the inspiration for today's solo episode. Listen as I reflect on: How people and memories can randomly present themselves at opportune times. Allowing us to appreciate kindness and the impact we have had. The times that we do things and don't even know who it affects and what it can mean to others. With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see. I wish you all kindness and happiness across the world for the Thanksgiving period and look forward to joining you again next week for another episode. As always, you can connect with Holly at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com to find out more about sharing your words and sharing your stories, because you never know who needs to hear exactly what you have to say.

There are certain moments in our life which have an impact that ripples throughout the rest of our lives. One of those moments for Pamela Pearson was a camp counsellor who wrote a quote by EE Cummings into her autograph book when she was about eight years old. It's now a quote she lives her life by and drives her passion to see her clients make changes they never thought possible. Join Holly and Pamela for this absolutely inspirational conversation where they chat about: The wisdom, knowledge and back stories which shape us, especially in the third half of our lives. Becoming practised with tools so it can become easier and uplifting for those around us. What is personal development anyway? Different sorts of communities and how influential they are on our own development. This conversation is transformative and encourages us to dip into different perspectives in order for us to be the best version of ourselves. To find out more about Pamela please visit her website www.theabundancecatalyst.com and join her private FB community https://www.facebook.com/groups/abundanceclearing. To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com

The guest for the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today is Judy Hoberman. Judy has quite a few notches to her belt including certifications from Cornell University's College of Business in Women in Leadership and Women in Entrepreneurship, a degree from Queens College, New York. She is a featured TedX speaker and has also published 4 books and impacted audiences of thousands, with coaching and mentoring which is often described as “transformational”. Listen as Holly and Judy discuss: Imposter syndrome and how it can impact you, no matter what walk of life you originate from. How life is fast and life is short, deciding who we want to spend our time with, what we want to be doing and doing something we really love to do. Never being afraid to ask questions and how they can open ourselves to possibilities, growth and our sense of purpose and why. Not allowing ourselves to compare our chapter one with another person's chapter 20.   Without a doubt, there is a tonne of inspiration and you will walk away from this episode richer and more motivated than beforehand. To find out more about Judy you can email her Judy@SellingInASkirt.com or contact her via LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/judyhoberman/  To watch her TedX talk as suggested in this video you can find it here.   As always you can connect with Holly at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and we look forward to you tuning in for the next episode!

Trucking is an integral part of our community, logistics chain and economy. Mindy Brown joins Holly on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today as a consultant, advocate, and mentor for women in the transportation industry. Mindy is passionate about clearing a path for women not only to survive in the trucking industry, but to also thrive and succeed. The result, she feels, is creating more women in C-suite positions, while creating allyship among men and women. Not only does Mindy feel this will impact the industry, but it will change the country. Women having more presence in the industry fosters a more creative and innovative environment. Mindy's passion shines through in the conversation. Listen as Holly and Mindy discuss: The pivot and change from driving to Mindy's role as VP of operations for LeadHERTrucking. Building bridges, not walls, that connect women in knowledge and shared experiences in the industry to create an impact while moving women forward.  How the industry has changed, grown and how men help give women a voice and a seat at the table. Safety first and what we can do to consider truckers on the road and respect the space we share together. To find out more about Mindy you can connect via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-b-4750993a and Clubhouse https://www.clubhouse.com/@mindy.brown?utm_medium=ch_profile&utm_campaign=PQl1on24wBQQ4Ar-N6whww-408065. WIth more details about LeadHERTrucking available here. To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

It seems positive mindset and gratitude are hot words on the internet right now. However, what happens when we observe and pin the positivity on Pinterest instead of actually implementing the practices we are exposed to? Amanda Yoa joins Holly on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today to talk about gratitude and how we can transcend the limitations of the mind to revolutionize our lives. Listen as Holly and Amanda discuss: How it's never too late or early to live in alignment with who you're supposed to be and do the things you are meant to do. How things don't happen to you, they happen for you. Gratitude practices to overcome depression, panic and negative mindset. Transcending our words and our minds to tap into our soul's wisdom and quiet whisper telling us that we are meant for more. Amanda brings an electric energy and offers many different ways to shift our lives to the experience we deserve. To follow and support Amanda you can find her on Instagram @amandayoa.official.    To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com. 

Recently Holly had quite an amusing and memorable experience while driving to pick up her aunt from the airport. It wasn't long before she realized she was in the service area of the airport and travelling around in circles trying to get out. Listen to this impressive story as Holly reflects on her own learnings and takeaways from the experience. She chats about: When somebody else is telling us where we need to go and we haphazardly follow their directions, without much thought. Driving around and around in life before realising that we are not on the path we need to be on. The ability to look at the situation with humour and wisdom both during and after the event. Being cognizant of falling right back into same paths and looking for signs to make a change before falling back into the same trap. It's important for us to listen to our gut and make the best decisions from a place of looking at situations as a whole. To connect and find out more about Holly, support her work and apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

Traditionally, menopause is known as the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. Outside of this significant event, there previously has been little conversation, education and awareness that join alongside. Kerry Taylor believes menopause is an opportunity to embrace the next stage of your life and thrive in your best years. Listen as she joins Holly on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today and they chat about: How looking to others for inspiration and guidance can come in the form of comparison. How the perceptions of menopause can mean we are not comfortable to talk about it within social and professional environments. There is no one size fits all when it comes to menopause Support for those around you when going through significant changes around the perimenopause, menopause and adjusting to life alongside.   If this conversation has peaked your interest and you would like to find out more, Kerry works with women to explore how to effectively live through menopausal changes. Her website is https://kerry-taylor.com/ and she would be happy for you to get in touch. As always, to connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story please visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

A quote from Catherine Pulsifer You suggests “Communication is one of the most important skills you require for a successful life”. Through the Podcast conversation within this episode, it is evident that Pam Knox agrees and is passionate about building a better world through better communication. She transforms the lives of her clients and their families by helping them to become better communicators – and to become confident in directing their life's narrative. Listen as Holly and Pam discuss: The simplicity of when we don't get communication right not much else is right either. How it is not enough to just hear what's being said, truly listening involves understanding, empathy and mental fitness. Stepping past our own internal critical conversations and judgements in our head so we can respond more positively than negatively to things that you can encounter. Authenticity within our own communication and stories.   This episode is aligned with the United Nations Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10th. Aimed to raise awareness about mental health around the world and to mobilize efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues, this episode provides a beautiful opportunity to understand and hear the impact of communication and how to improve.   To support Pam, find out more about her work and sign up for her newsletter you can visit https://www.pamknox.com and to connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. 

Katrina Klooster joins Holly for the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today, Katrina is a teacher turned entrepreneur who has had a passion to help people for as long as she can remember. She accidentally stumbled upon coaching and knew this was exactly what she was meant to do during this phase of my life. As the conversation evolves, Holly and Katrina realise they share many outlooks, values and desires. Listen as they touch on: Examining what isn't working for you and what you are craving in order to take the next steps towards development. Taking off all the masks and asking what we actually want. Permission and gratitude and how that ripples onto our own choices and those around us. Internal and external journeys, what they look like as an individual and entrepreneur and how letting go can be one of the most courageous steps to take. This conversation is powerful and inspirational, alongside insightful and shares a lot of wisdom. To find out more about Katrina, her favourite place to be is instagram @katrinaklooster and invites you to connect personally via her website www.katrinaklooster.com. To connect and find out more about Holly, including the opportunity to apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn.com

At 54, Elaine Williams, feels like she is just getting started. Destined with an ability to laugh at herself and growing in confidence every day, Elaine joins the Podcast to share her story for good and help others do the same. In this charismatic and bubbly conversation listen as Holly and Elaine discuss: Life and how sometimes we can do a lot of the right things, but maybe not always for the best reason. Learning to love ourselves more than caring what others think and how we think we should behave. Living from the inside out. Letting yourself shine, to give other people permission to do the same. Elaine has vivacious and memorable way of sharing how her life events have led to this stage. To connect with Elaine further please visit www.CaptivatetheCrowd.com and follow along on Instagram @elainewilliamsfun. For further information about your host, Holly Totten you can visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and we look forward to you embracing your third half of life every single day.

Traditionally a community is thought of as a group of people living in close proximity. However, it is so much more than that. Holly is travelling solo today to talk about how her thoughts and experiences of community have evolved and expanded greater than she could have imagined. Listen as Holly reflects on: The different types of community we can find all around us. Pulling together and pouring out support, love and care in situations of need at certain phases of our lives. Evolution from in person communities to online. Communities in our third half of life. To witness and discover more about the Teaching Yourself to Learn community you can join the Facebook page as mentioned in this episode here. As always, connect with Holly further at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com and thank you for listening.

Julie Scott is full of inspiration today as she chats with Holly and infuses this episode with optimism in order to inspire others to to find new meaning and purpose so they can confidently make the rest of their life the *best* of their life". The energy in this episode will make you smile, develop your curiosity and have you nodding your head alongside. Listen as Holly and Julie discuss: How beliefs are really just divisions that we've made about ourselves and the world. The possibilities that can open up when we think about what we believe is what we then see in the world. Shifting the way we think about what is possible and how that results in seeing things differently and collecting fresh evidence. That 95% of what we worry about never happens and building confidence is about building trust with yourself. To find out all about Julie please head over to her website www.itsabouttimebaby.com where you will find her book mentioned in this episode and other satisfying resources in order to live your best life. To connect and find out more about Holly you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com  and we look forward to you tuning in to the next episode.  

Ducks are content, adaptable and lead a life of balance. They communicate, stick together and respect their limitations. Similar to this conversation between Holly and her guest Wendy Jarvis. Wendy is author of Be a Duck, has a VW beetle named Stan and brings a light and humble approach to this conversation. Listen as Holly and Wendy discuss: There are many things we may not be able to do, but those that we can do, we ought to do well. Taking a breath, being present and reconnecting within retirement to enjoy, reflect and prosper further. Embracing change. Letting go and remembering to let negativity ‘slide' off your back like rain on a duck's back. The modest and inviting conversation is one that will inspire you to remember there are many more perspectives to people than we realize. To find out more about Wendy you can find out more via her website https://www.wendyjarvisauthor.com/. To connect and find out more about Holly, apply to be a guest and share your story you can reach her at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com

Kerry is famously know as the director and head bean counter at Zinc Business Solutions, and also hosts the Simply Biz Bean$ podcast which is held in a virtual cafe where business finances are as simple as having a cup of coffee! Kerry has worn many hats throughout her life, providing wonderful wisdom and insight all round. Listen as Kerry and Holly discuss: Embracing change, loving it and realising how important it is in our lives. Hard work ethics, how it is passed down through generations and what that transpires to in the real world. Career progression and diving into business ownership at an early age. How our enthusiasm, motivation and mindset can bring forward changes we want to create. The conversation between Kerry and Holly oozes with delight and a familiarity, as two friends continue to discover more about each other. To connect with Kerry further you can find her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/kerryzarb/. As always, to connect and find out more about Holly you can reach her at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com and we look forward to you listening again next week.

Today marks a very special occasion on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast as Holly is interviewed from behind the scenes for her 50th episode. It is no mean feat to commit and dedicate yourself, alongside learning and exploring every step of the way. The absolute exhilaration and enjoyment which seeps through every word in this conversation is evident. Join Holly as she is interviewed on the other side of the microphone by her podcast production manager Linda Bonney. They touch on: What retirement can look and most importantly feel like. Wonderful surprises and learnings that happen when exploring the amazing adventure of Podcasting. How the things that we do and what we've been through throughout our lives set us up for what we're doing now. What's in store for the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast into the next 50 episodes and beyond. Thank you from my heart to yours for following, listening and supporting beside as we embrace our third half of life. Life is good, conversations are strong and we are all able to teach ourselves to learn each and every day. If you are interested in becoming a guest and sharing your story please connect and find out more at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com.

After slogging hard, giving at 200% to rebuild her career and trying to climb back up the ladder from missing so many years in the workforce - Denise Millet felt cooked and wiped out. At that point an early endometrial cancer diagnosis changed her life. She decided enough was enough and changed her life for the better. Listen as she joins Holly for the Podcast today and they discuss: Building a business to sustain us for the rest of my lives. How we can judge ourselves from a later perspective, based on what we know now that we didn't know then. What that means and what we can do to forgive and let go. Giving and giving without enough receiving and getting to the stage of needing a year of sleep just to feel human again. Asking the question - do we really need or want that? Dissolving from our ‘old' lives and into a better one. Denise and Holly have a beautiful connection and conversation throughout this episode and highlight just how wonderful people can be and what is possible. Denise is the host of a weekly show (mentioned in this episode), Marketing Matters. You can find it on the WIN WIN Women TV network and streaming on Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. To connect with Denise please visit https://www.dmillet.com or reach out via email to denise@mmediagroupllc.com. For further information about your host, Holly Totten you can visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com.

Cat Corchado joins Holly for the Teaching Yourself to Lean Podcast today. Cat retired from the US Air Force in 2000 and now helps others navigate the transition process from active duty to civilian through her own Podcast, Sisters-in-Service. Listen as Cat and Holly explore: Overcoming challenges and what they look like both inside and outside a military way of living. How to adapt, accept and acknowledge when feeling a sense of loss after knowing a certain lifestyle for a large part of your life.  Cat's dreams of Olympic glory. How and what that looked like. Working in the military as a single parent, the grit, determination and challenges that came alongside that. There is something for everyone in this episode, whether you are in the military or not. Feel free to follow Cat and listen along to her wonderful conversations https://www.instagram.com/sisters.in.service/. For further information about your host, Holly Totten you can visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and we look forward to you tuning in for the next episode.

Holly is fresh and back from holidays with a special Solo episode on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today. Holly reflects on a few things that matter most and how they should never be at the mercy of the things that matter least. Listen as Holly chats about the following areas in this snippet for your ears: The busy of being busy Slowing down to speed up and stopping to smell the roses Naming it to tame it and altering our perspective for the better Accelerating our mindful decision making and remembering what is important.   For women stepping into their third half of life, Holly invites you to share your perspectives and stories and if you would like to talk about being a guest on the podcast you can find out more at www.teachingyourselftolearn.com. Because you never know who needs to hear exactly what you have to say.

So often we feel like we need to hide certain parts of our identities, whether that is through protecting others, protecting ourselves or what we believe is best for us at the time. Pam Mantay did exactly that. After being diagnosed with sickle cell disease at four years old, Pam values the importance of digging deep to focus on what's important in order to fulfil our purpose. Listen as Holly and Pam discuss: The uncertainty of chronic illness and fear that unfortunately is learnt through hiding from ourselves and our faith. Not being afraid to step into something new, expand and embrace into our identities. How if you don't know who you are that can create a misalignment within our decisions, opportunities and relationships. Finding out who you really are and encompassing all of it. Pam's story is inspirational and heartwarming as she leads empires and is building a life she never could have imagined. To find out more about Pam you can follow along on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ittakesmoneyhoney/. For further information about your host, Holly Totten you can visit www.teachingyourselftolearn.com and we look forward to you tuning in for the next episode.

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could be completely unafraid to rewrite our lives, especially in this third half? Amy Rees is a living example of how you can do extraordinary things and how it's never too late to be who you might have been. Listen as Amy and Holly chat about: Friendships and women supporting women, while also keeping yourself open and available for new opportunities and friendships. Turning hobbies into successful business endeavours and bringing joy to others in the process. Genuine friendships and the similarity to marriage. Why supportive, give and take boundaries and having a good laugh is important to our own well being. Blessing others with giving back in a memorable and fun way. Amy created Personality Plates as a tribute to the women that have supported, motivated, and inspired her throughout her life – in both happy and tough times. If you are curious to learn more please visit  www.personalityplates.com. To watch Holly in the big reveal as mentioned in this episode you see her post https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdt1qBRJcBz/ and follow for further updates and information. Alternatively, you can connect with Holly further at teachingyourselftolearn@gmail.com.