Wake Up To Your Life

I'm baaaack! Maybe you didn't notice I was gone, but I've gotten so many kind messages from you guys asking if I'll ever bring the podcast back, so here we are! In this episode, I'm giving you the lowdown on what the last two years of my life have looked like, why I felt like I needed to put the podcast down for a while, and why I'm picking it back up now.    Some key takeaways from this episode include: I'm in an exciting (albeit a bit scary) season of rediscovery and reinvention. I needed to take some time to wallow, sit with my feelings, and heal before I could get here. If you're in a tough season, don't rush the processing portion, or it'll catch up with you unexpectedly. When we're in a season of transition, it's normal to cling to what's familiar and comfortable. I stayed in my marital home post-divorce, and it ended up feeling lonely. Moving out and into an apartment I could make my own has been incredibly healing. Do something that makes you feel alive this week. Maybe it's a hobby you haven't done in a while, reconnecting with a friend who brings out the best in you, or booking a trip you've been putting off.   Wake Up to Your Life is an award-winning podcast hosted by Colleen Odegaard. On this show, you'll hear from experts (and learn from my own hilarious stories) on how to rediscover yourself in a new season of life, no matter what that looks like for you.    Connect with Colleen:  Instagram Facebook YouTube  

I said I would NEVER do online dating. Then my stupid friends talked me into it. Spoiler alert:  I didn't like it.   In this episode I share why I believe it's possilbe for us singles who don't like online dating to find a romantic partner organically out in the wild.     I also provide what I believe is a much needed public service announcement to men on these sites.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

We're told that happy couples have great communication.  But what exactly does that mean?   In part, it's being able to listen with the intent of understanding your partner...  even when he or she is saying something you don't agree with or like.  My default used to be defensiveness.  I bet you can relate.   In this episode I share what I have learned about conscious communication.  I hope it helps you and your person commuincate effecitvely and lovingly.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

In this episode I share a hard truth for me to accept.    The state officially says I'm no longer a married person.   For some reason, this makes me feel incredibly sad.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

Do you blame your parents, your spouse, your stupid boss, the weather, your HOA president, slow drivers, etc. for all your problems?   It's hard to build a life you love on a foundation of blame.   We need to take personal responsibilty for many of the things we're complaning about. Sounds like a drag, I know.  Blaming is more fun.  However, it's low vibe and keeps you stuck.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

If you feel stuck in some area of your life, this episode is for you. Perhaps you're coming up with all kinds of reasons as to why you're stuck.   But I contend you can start where you are and use what you've got.  These words have helped many of my clients get unstuck. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

It happens to all of us.  We compare ourselves to other people.  And sometimes that leaves us feeling bad about ourselves.   When you come down with a case of "comparisonitis", there are things you can do to improve your state of mind.   -Stop scrolling -Take an action -Up your self-love game   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

Please stop saying you're fat.  Please stop hating your body.   With care, compassion and practice you can learn how to love your as she is today.   Don't believe me?  Just listen.    Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net      

When your emotions take over and you're all worked up, you need to get grounded.     In this episode I share a mindfulness technique as taught by the incomparable Tara Brach.  She is a renown meditation teacher and psychologist.   The technique is called RAIN.  Recognize.  Allow.  Investigate.  Nurture.   This process can help you heal.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net    

If you're having a hard time sticking to your resolutions, practicing two things will help you get back on track:   SELF-COMPASSION and BRAVERY   Your inner critic has had a good run.  And it doesn't help you achieve your goals.   Listen to this quick episode to find out why self-compassion is the jam.   BONUS TIP:  For anyone who does any or wants to do any public speaking, I offer a great tip so you won't make the terrible mistake many speakers make.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

Haters gonna hate.  We know this.  But it still hurts.   In this episode I remind you of some things to think about when you find yourself ruminating on something a meanie has said about you.   I'm rooting for you!   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

Your thoughts are driving your actions and your actions create your results.   If you have junk thoughts, it's tough to create a life you love.   In this episode I talk about recognizing your thoughts, replacing them, and practicing new ones.     I'm rooting for you.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net    

You have at least one.  Maybe you have several.  Family members you love, but they still get under your skin.   They insist on getting into political debates with you.  They ask inappropriate questions.  Maybe they tell you all the things they think you're doing wrong in your life.   This quick episode offers some tips that may help you deal with those difficult people.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

Have you ever abandoned yourself in a relationship? It can look like sacrificing things that are really important to you in order to fit into someone else's life.  This can be a relationship killer.   So can emotional immaturity. When you don't deal with your past traumas, they can impact your present day self in relationship with your significant other.    Couples therapist Jason Van Ruler talks about how you can work through these issues to create a happy, healthy relationship.   Follow Jason VanRuler on Instagram: @Jason.VanRuler   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

In this episode I answer listener questions. Questions like, how do I reconnect with my partner?  How do I stay on track with my goals when there are so many distractionns?  How do I form healthy habits?   If you have a question you'd like me to address on the podcast let me know by sending an email to Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net I'm rooting for you.

What do you regret? When was a time you led with your heart? What is love? What is a good person?   These are among the questions posed by Rabbi Steve Leder in his latest book, For You When I Am Gone.   Rabbi Leder has twice been named one of the ten most influential rabbis in the country by Newsweek Magazine.  He's a contributor on The Today show, CNN and NPR.  And he's the bestselling author of five books.    In this conversation we go over some of the important questions Rabbi Leder writes about in his latest book to help you live a life of meaning and purpose.    Follow Rabbi Steve Leder on Instagram: @Steve_Leder Order the book: For You When I Am Gone   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net      

When you experience rejection or criticism, what do you do?  I've been known to get defensive, cry, take it personally, feel sick to my stomach, then eat chips and salsa.  Can you relate?   There are much better ways to deal with rejection.   -Be honest with yourself and a trusted confidant -Believe it's not personal -Look for the lesson -Consider the source   Listen to this 20 minute episode as I walk you through each of these steps and share some of my own rejection stories.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

Holding onto anger isn't good for you.    But if someone has really hurt you, it can be hard to let go of it.   In this episode, Mental Health Counselor Jennifer Fights talks about healthy ways to work through anger, why holding on to it is so detrimental to your overall health, and how to possibly move toward forgiveness.   Connect with Jennifer Fights: www.findyourbase.com   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

It's a skill that can change your life.    BRAVERY   You can learn how to be brave.  And once you do, you can apply the skill to your relationships, career, health and finances.   To be brave, you need GOALS. Big, exciting, sexy goals.  Listen for some ideas about how you cna practice being brave this week.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

Episode 100 brings you a special guest host.  Avid listeners will recall Colonoscopy Nicole, who has since been renamed "Nicolonoscopy".  (How could I have missed that?!) Nicolonoscopy is one of my best friends.  She's asking ME the questions for this 100th episode. We recap some of the more popular shows I've hosted.  She makes fun of my shoes.  Nicole asks me... Brad Pitt or George Clooney?  Nicole also asks me what advice I'd give to someone going through a difficult time.  It's a mixed bag of silly and legit stuff. I would like to thank you for listening to this little show. Without your participation, I never would have made it to 100 epsiodes.   Previous episodes we discussed in this show: 4.   Wake Up to Showing Up 53. Radical Acceptance 83. Wake Up Sex 97.  Parenting Expectations and Disappointments  Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

What's an old soundtrack?  Those broken, negative thought loops that run through your brain.  The ones that say that you don't measure up, you're not good enough, you'll never lose weight, etc. Let's create a new playlist for you.  Jon Acuff is a New York Times Bestselling Author. His eighth and latest book is called, "Your New Playlist".   Jon is also a highly sought after leadership speaker and the host of the podcast All it Takes is a Goal.   If you're ready to create new playlists to help you reach your goals, listen to what Jon has to say in this episode.  He is my favorite teacher on this subject.  He's also really funny.  For more from Jon Acuff, go to his website:  www.Acuff.me You can order his books there, find his podcast, book him as a speaker, and sign up for his newsletter.   Follow Jon Acuff on Instagram: @JonAcuff   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard  Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com     I have written no books for you to buy. 

You are too important to give up on yourself. The world needs your brand of weirdness! If you're about to give up on your dreams, listen to this episode.  It's a quick reminder of what to do when you''re tired, burned out, and disheartened. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

Your daughter doesn't get invited to the sleepover and she's upset.  Do you call the girl's mom?     Your son forgets to bring his homework to school.  Do you drop what you're doing and bring it to him?  (I totally did this)   Your child's calendar is filled with activites every day.  You do this because you want the best for her or him.  But is this the best?   This episode is a must-listen for parents no matter the age of your children.     Dr. Chris McCarthy is a counsleor with more than two decades of experience.  He works with children, teenagers, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.  I love and respect this man and his work.   In this episosde, Dr. McCarthy provides parents with some best practices when it comes to raising children who'll become independent, responsible, compassionate, successful adults.    Dr. Chris McCarthy is the creator of a program designed to help children with anxiety.  To find out more, go to www.turnaroundanxiety.com   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

Lean into the ache... don't try to outrun it.  Love is all that matters.  Your relationships need to be nurtured. Make peace with your body.  She's the only one you get. Forgiveness is mandatory.  I know it sucks.  But you have to learn how to do it. These are a few things I'm talking about as I turn 52 years old.  They are lessons for all of us.  I'm rooting for you. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

Take a moment to think about big mistakes you've made.  Now imagine having the world know about those mistakes.   That's what happened to Eugene Robinson.  Eugene played football in the NFL for 16 seasons.  He played in three Superbowls.  In that third one, he was arrested the night before the big game for soliciting a prostitute.    In this episode Eugene talks about how none of us should be defined by our worst moment.  He shares how he was able to get up again after facing such a public embarassment.    This is a candid conversation with my dear friend about a very dark time in his life.  It's a story of redemption, grace, and love.  There's something in this story for all of us.   Follow Eugene Robinson on Instagram: @EugeneKRobinson41   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

You have someone you love to hate and keep looking at his or her social media.  That's hate scrolling.  I'm guilty! You read every depressing story you can find online.  That's doom scrolling.  I'm partial to every gruesome true crime story.  You feel like a loser after you scroll.  Mabe you're in comparisonitis.   None of this is good for your mental health.  Listen to this episode to find out how you can still engage on social media and protect your heart. Follow me on Instagram (unless it's a hate follow!): @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

Sending your kids off to college is bittersweet.   On the one hand, you're so proud!  You wanted this to happen.  It's the order of things.   On the other hand, you feel sad.  You're not sure what to do with yourself.  I get it.  Both of my kids are off to stupid college.   In this episode, I offer some things to help you with this transition.  This is even relevant if you have younger kids who are going to kindergarten for the first time, middle school or high school.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard   Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com   Email me: Collen@WaleUptoYourLIfe.net  

Look on the bright side.  It'll all work out.  Everything happens for a reason.  Things could be worse.   #shutup     Toxic positivity isn't helpful.  It's actually harmful.  It makes people feel guilty for what they're feeling.     When your friends are hurting, they need empathy.  When you're suffering, you need compassion.  Not a line of BS from a person who is uncomfortable with difficult emotions.   I'm rooting for you.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

Do ever say, "I've had a hard day.  I deserve a drink." Do you believe that you need alcohol to have fun? Do you use it to ease your social anxiety? Do you drink it to escape from uncomfortable feelings? Molly Ruggere is an Alcohol Freedom Coach.  She works with people who are interested in drinking less or who want to quit altogether.  In this episode, we ask you to get curious about your relationship with alcohol and be real with yourself if booze is keeping you from living the life you want to live. Follow Molly Ruggere on Instagram: @mollyruggere Molly's website: countercultureclub.org    Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

If you're feeling down in the dumps, one sure fire way to feel better is to do something nice for someone else.  I know, I know... you're thinking you can't do that becase your prollins (problems) are insurmountable.   A crazy thing happens when you start being attuned to people around you... YOU change.  And for the better. Nicole Taylor is the Executive Director of Congregations for Kids.  CFK supports children in the foster care system, foster families and social workers in Charlotte, NC.  She has dedicated the past 15 years of her professional life to helping other people.   Listen as Nicole talks about why volunteering has so many benefits, how you can get started, and how serving others will ultimately change your heart. Follow CFK on Instagram: @CongregationsforKids Website: www.cfknc.org   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

If you're tired of small talk and long for deep, meaningful conversations, this is for you.   Be interested and interesting. Be a good listnener. Ask better questions. Be present and mindful. Give of your heart.   These tips apply whether you're on a first date or havig date night with your long term partner.  They work with your friends and with your kids.   Speaking of kids, you'll hear from one of my favorites, my 7 year old Godaughter Marin Grace, at the end of the episode.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

You have many thoughts you think are true, but are actually lies.   Thoughts like: I'm not good enough, I can't make more money, I'll never find love... all LIES!   Listen to this quick episode in which I remind you to think about what you're thinking about!   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net            

Apartment = Trigger Anniversary = Trigger Graduation = Trigger I'd been feeling more "normal" for a while.  Then a series of things triggered me, reminding me of the difficulty of my divorce and my new reality. In this episode I speak frankly about the challenges and how they've all led me to one solution... forgiveness. It's my hope that if you're harboring a spirit of unforgiveness, you'll consider what I have to say. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

When we experience loss, we have to grieve. But grieving can feel scary and overwhelming.  How do we feel our feelings without getting swallowed up by them? Listen to my conversation with counselor Juliet Kuehnle.  She offers tools to help us grieve and live at the same time. Follow Juliet Kuehnle on Instagram: @yepigototherapy   Juliet's website: www.suncounselingandwellness.com   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

Fear and comparison can keep you stuck. When people say "don't compare" and "be fearless" that's not partiuclarly helpful.  Listen to this quick reminder of what to do when you feel bad about yourself because you're comparig yourself to others. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

If you're single and looking for love, this episode is for you.  And coupled up folks, you might learn something too! Jennifer Hurvitz is a dating coach and the host of the podcast Doing Relationships Right. In this episode, Jennifer shares how to know when you're ready to date after divorce.  She also talks about why you should only date one person at a time (who the hell can hande more than that?!).  And if you''re online dating, Jen has great advice for making your profile and bio really stand out above the rest.  Listen my friend... never ever did I ever think I'd be dating again.  I thought I'd be married until the day I dropped dead.  So I'm out in the wild too and I know it's scary to give your heart to someone.  But we deserve big mad love.  Let's go find it. Follow Jennifer Hurvitz on Instagram: @doingrelationshipsright Jennifer's website: www.JenniferHurvitz.com Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

Is it difficult to have honest and vulnerable conversations with your partner about sex?  Sex therapist Dr. Laurie Watson wants to normalize talking about it. In this episode, Dr. Laurie shares ways you can open up to your person about what it is that you want in the bedroom.  She also talks about how "getting in the mood" starts with your mind. We discuss sexy thoughts, dirty talk, the clittoris and other things.  This is NOT something children should hear.  And if you blush easily, ths is your warning.  I honestly believe if I had found Dr. Laurie sooner, my marriage woudn't have fallen apart.  Her podcast has seven million downloads.  She's that good.   It's a long episode but you'll want to hear the whole thing.   Listen to Dr. Laurie Watson's podcast: ForeplayRadio.com  Read Dr. Laurie's book:  Wanting Sex Again Follow Dr. Laurie on Instagram: @foreplay_radiosextherapy Visit Dr. Laurie's website: www.AwakeningsCenter.org Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

Stop making everything so damn hard already!!! CEO coach Danielle Jefferson believes we can make things easier.  And when things are easier, we can enjoy our lives more.   Danielle works with small business owners to help them manage their work with the life balance they deserve.  Waht she teaches applies to all of us... not just business owners. Danielles says these three things will help you stop making things so damn hard: -getting over yourself -building good habits -giving less f@&ks I worked with Danielle for six months.  She was a game changer for my business.  I adore this woman.  I knwo you will too. Follow Danielle Jefferson on Instagram: @danielle_jeffersonjames Danielle Jefferson's website: www.jeffersonjamesconsulting.com Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

In this episode, I'm giving you an update on how I'm doing one year after my 21 year marriage imploded. I tell you what I've learned about myself, how I deal with loneliness and anger, and how I've learned to enjoy my own company. I remind you to use painful experiences to learn and grow. Married people... invite your divorced friends. Don't worry, it's not contagious.  Get tickets to Wake Up to Your Life Live Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net Maggie Smith's book Keep Moving    

No one knows what they're doing when they first start a new thing.   You think they do because you see them on social media and they appear to be killing it.   But there was a time they didn't know what they were doing either. This includes yours truly.   Listen to this episode for a swift quick in the booty.   Click for tickets Wake Up to Your Life Live: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wake-up-to-your-life-live-with-colleen-odegaard-tickets-309016706287   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard   Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com   Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

Perhaps you think you need a different body, a better job, a relationship, or a million dollars to be happy. Your fixed idea of what you think you need to be happy is making you miserable. It's shutting you off to the opportunites of joy available to you right now.   Using mindfulness you can create a bigger container to hold disappointment AND happiness at the same time.   Get tickets to Wake Up to Your Life Live: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc--charlotte/wake-up-to-your-life-live/   Follow me on Instgram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net    

Good relationships don't just happen.  Cliche but true. If you're tired of having the same fight with your partner over and over again, or if you feel more like roomates than lovers, this episode is for you. It's also for you if you're single... really.   Jason Van Ruler is a counselor, speaker, coach and author. His Instagram following has grown by the thousands in a short amount of time. That's because Jason talks about what a healthy relationship looks like and how to get it. He posts useful, practical information daily.    I'm a huge fan of Jason's. I'm grateful for his work and I know it'll make me a better partner someday. I hope you feel the same after you listen to him.   Follow Jason Van Ruler on Instagram: @jason.vanruler Jason Van Ruler Website: www.jasonvr.com   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@wakeuptoyourlife.net    

Two simple words that can be so difficult to say… I'm sorry.   If you value your relationships, you need to be able to say these words and receive them too.   In this episode I talk about what makes a good, sincere, heartfelt apology and what makes for a bad one.  I also share what can happen over time if apologies are never given.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard   Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com   Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net   Dr. Harriet Lerner's book: Why Won't You Apologize?

If someone says something that upsets you and you just can't stop thinking about it, put the comment through the filter of True, Not True, Maybe True.   If you get really defensive when someone offers you feedback, this is going to help you.   If you tend to own everything everyone says to you and beat yourself up for it, this will help you.   After the break, you'll hear from my 19 year old son Anthony.  He asked if he could be on the podcast.  So I said yes.  There's really no point to this.  Although he offers his two cents on how parents and students can embrace the college transition.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

You know those days when you wake up and think… ugh I just CAN'T today!  You think you can't face your boss, have that difficult conversation, clean your house, post to social media or deal with your kids.   Multi millionaire entrepreneur Tiffany Carter says you can!  Tiffany is a top business coach who consistently shows up on her podcast, social media and for her clients.  And Tiffany says she has many days when she isn't feeling it.  Listen to this episode to find out what gets her to do her work instead of checking out. These steps will help you take action when you're not feeling it!   Follow Tiffany Carter on Instagram: @ProjectMe_with_Tiffany   Follow Colleen on Istagram: @Colleen_Odegaard

My friend Lily is six years old and she has something she calls a Happy Box.  She says she keeps her favorite treasures in it.   We should all have some version of a Happy Box.  It can be an actual box… or just metaphorical Happy Box.   When I'm upset, I forget what I need to do to help myself.  So in my “box", I have nature, fresh air, meditation, prayer and music.   Listen to this episode to find out how doing this exercise can help you in moments of distress, anxiety or sadness.  

We live in a youth obsessed culture.  Women often fear aging.  We worry if we'll be relevant, beautiful or sexy as we age.   LIsten to syndicated radio host, speaker and author Sheri Lynch as she shares why she decided to let her hair go gray, how she embraces aging and how women can actually enjoy getting older.     Follow Sheri Lynch on Instagram: @sherilynch1 Sheri's website: www.BobandSheri.com   Follow Colleen on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Colleen's Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email Colleen: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

Is it hard for you to talk without complaining?  Incessant negative chatter is crushing your vibe and the vibes of those around you. Listen as I make a case for you to zip it if you can't say anything nice!   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

I'm not good enough.  No one will hire me.  I'll never be successful.  I'm going to be single forever. NO!!!!  Those thoughts are a buzz kill.   Listen as I walk you through a method to help you think and believe something that's more beneficial to you.   Be ready to take notes.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

I tell my friends that at my age, I'm on the back nine.  More life is behind me than in front of me. It's not morbid... it's reality.  And when we intentionally think about the fact our days are numbered, it informs us of how we want to LIVE.  So no matter your age, this epsiode might help you think about what it is you want and why it's important you go for it. Then on a totally unrelated note... at 13:31 I share best pracitces for creating video content for social media.  I know you think about it!  You want to post a video but you freak out.  Or perhaps you're posting video content but it's not making an impact.  Listen to this second half of the podcast for some tips.  And if you need more help, holla at your girl.  I can help you.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

You've heard people say, "Everything happens for a reason."  That makes me want to throw things.   Telling someone who is hurting that this terrible thing he or she is going through is happening for a reason won't make the person feel better.     In this episode I give you some other things to say that are far more helpful when it comes to showing empathy. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com