When Life Gives You Lemons

How many of us have heard the phrase, "Quitters never win?"Well I say, quitting is for winners. Quitting is for the people who know their limits and know what they want. Quitting is for the people who have the audacity to not settle for less.I recently did just that. I've the "Great Resignation" as I pursue a new career that I'll reveal on this week's episode. I'll also dive into going no contact and establishing firm boundaries with a close family member.It's been a tough few months emotionally and mentally, but I'm ready to make some lemonade with you all!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. When Life Gives You Lemons listeners now get 10% off their first month at: http://betterhelp.com/lemonsTherapy is nothing to be ashamed of and help is out there. Join the millions of people who are seeing what online therapy is really about. It's always a good time to invest in yourself, because you are your greatest asset.  

Tune in to hear special guest, Rachel Kelly, talk about the creation of Make Lemonade - a virtual co working space that gives you the tools to hustle less and grow more. We talk about what it's like to start your own business, how to pivot when life hands you lemons (like a global pandemic), and how to build a mindful and inclusive community.About Make Lemonade:Make Lemonade sprouted in 2017 when founder Rachel Kelly was feeling extra lonely freelancing and had zero coworkers to connect with. So, she opened a Toronto coworking office and before she knew it, a community was born.A lot happened in the first couple of years. Being featured in Forbes, Fashion Magazine, Toronto Life, and Canadian Living are some of our highlights, partnering with Bumble, Facebook and Instagram are huge wins, but our heartwarming events really take the cake.

Continuing this month's segment on female empowerment and entrepreneurship, I sit down with Rachel Druckenmiller!Rachel is on a mission to humanize the workplace by igniting resilience, connection, engagement and compassion in organizations, associations and their leaders and teams. Recognized as the #1 Health Promotion Professional in the U.S. in 2015, a 40 Under 40 Game Changer in 2019, and one of The Daily Record's Leading Women of 2020, Rachel is a national thought leader in the field of wellbeing and employee engagement. Known for her refreshing, dynamic and relatable approach, she has reached tens of thousands of people through her in-person and virtual learning experiences as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and leadership trainer. Rachel has worked with organizations like Citizens Bank, Adventist Health, Deloitte, Sherwin-Williams, and the American Heart Association. Her work has been published on Thrive Global and mindbodygreen.Rachel has a Master's degree in Health Science and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is a Licensed Thriving Workplace Culture Coach and Health Coach. She is also a Founding Member of the international nonprofit, Global Women 4 Wellbeing (GW4W).Rachel posts inspirational videos and other content on LinkedIn. Follow her there and on her website www.UnmutedLife.com, where you can download her resilience toolkit. 

***WARNING***: The following episode may be upsetting or triggering to individuals who have experienced eating disorders or sexual assault. Listener's discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or sexual assault, it is not your fault and help is out there. Contact the National Eating Disorder Hotline at 1-800-931-2237 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.A wise person once posed the question, "Trauma often happens in relation to others, so why shouldn't healing?" And that person is Alex Mollon. Alex is a survivor of sexual assault and an eating disorder.  As a result of her trauma, she is no stranger to issues with body image and the pressures women feel to look and act a certain way. By healing in community, Alex is able to now live boldly and unapologetically while staying in tune with her body and her needs. Tune in to hear our series kick off on empowering women to love their bodies and live authentically. Let's make lemonade!

Do you feel an internal angst that something isn't quite right or is missing in your life? Do you have exciting new ideas, but struggle with the execution? Are you waking up feeling burnt out because you don't know how to communicate your feelings and maintain boundaries with others?If you said “yes” to any of the above, this week's episode of When Life Gives You Lemons is for you! Special guest, Phil Hassman, and I talk about values, mission, and purpose. When your values and personal mission are not in alignment it can be difficult to understand your purpose and have healthy relational boundaries.Tune in this Thursday wherever you get your podcasts for practical advice on understanding your personal “why” as a roadmap to living a happier and more fulfilled life. Let's make lemonade!About Phil:Phil believes in people and helps them be more true, all while being positively energetic yet purely authentic. Phil lives in Indianapolis with his partner, Kelly, their two dogs, and often a roommate or two.He loves to be outside and is always up for a good question shared over coffee. Lots of coffee.Phil works as an Organizational Development Specialist for a large scientific company named Eurofins. He began his professional career as a scientist for Eurofins then advanced as an operational leader. He now supports the business' leadership team initiatives such as coaching, training, and organizational strategy.Alongside Kelly Hassman and Anna Tragesser, Phil teamed up to create Carnival Group. A consulting and coaching organization designed to help people invoke their best. You can find more at carnivalgrp.comConnect with Phil and check out his blog at philishere.com

On this week's episode, I dive into Part II of the series on boundaries! I further define boundaries and the benefits of boundary setting. When thinking of boundaries, I use the analogy of being a goalie in a game of soccer. You're the "goal keeper" of your life and you are the only one who can "touch the ball" or have control over what you do and how you respond to the problems, drama, and challenges being "kicked" at you. Furthermore, I give wisdom on where you may need boundaries in your own life and how to recognize when you may be crossing other people's boundaries, including oversharing red flags that can lead to holding others emotional hostage. Lastly, I give practical ways you can create boundaries in your own life, including being assertive, learning to say no, protecting your peace, and sticking to your values.Let's make lemonade!Resources referenced in this episode:The No BS Guide to Protecting Your Emotional Space by, Jennifer Chesak with Healthline.com: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/set-boundaries

A boundary is defined by Oxford Languages as a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. Physical boundaries are tangible and make sense. Here's the line in the sand - that is your space and this is my space. You can only cross the barrier that I've put up to protect myself, unless I allow you to.On this week's episode, we kick off part 1 of our series on emotional boundaries with special guest, Abbey Kochert. We like to think of boundaries as the "guardrails" that protect us so that we don't stray too far off our life path and lose ourselves. Boundaries are not only necessary in maintaining healthy relationships, but also preserving your mental health and wellness. Tune in to learn practical examples of how you can apply boundaries to your personal and professional life. Let's make lemonade!

Last episode was all about the “lemon” of abuse, pain, and heartache. But then he came along - a cool glass of lemonade.Relationships that are built to last don't just land in your lap though, they take work. Tune in to hear how we've developed a healthy relationship by healing from our pasts, understanding ourselves on a deep, personal level, and consciously choosing one another every day. I'll talk about how I utilized the 5 Love Languages and The Enneagram to understand myself and my partner better as well as tools that help us stay connected.Let's Make Lemonade! Resources Referenced in This Episode:What Are The Five Love Languages?  by, Gary Chapman: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/learnThe Love Language Quiz by, Gary Chapman: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzesThe Enneagram Institute: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/The Enneagram Type Combinations: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/the-enneagram-type-combinationsPaired App: https://www.getpaired.com/The Adventure Challenge: Couples' Edition: https://www.theadventurechallenge.com/collections/products?param1=&utm_term=&utm_campaign=General_Dynamic+Search_Search_U.S.&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=2233757441&hsa_cam=9352096443&hsa_grp=95025713936&hsa_ad=418616804063&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAjwo4mIBhBsEiwAKgzXOEfHEr3IYkVb7bTptmDlzbZH6FJEI90h2uFSpUK5KWNJH_vX6j-KjBoCo-8QAvD_BwE*When Life Gives You Lemons is not sponsored by The Five Love Languages, The Enneagram Institute, Paired, or The Adventure Challenges.

***WARNING***: The following episode may be upsetting or triggering to individuals who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. Listener's discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is not your fault and help is out there. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. That's 1-800-799-7233.On average, nearly 20 people experience physical abuse by an intimate partner every minute. That equates to more than 10 million women and men experiencing abuse in a given year. In addition, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.  Unfortunately, special guest, Anna Skinner, and I are a part of those statistics. Our stories are more than just a fact sheet though. They're stories of survival and resilience. When we share these stories, fear and shame have no where to hide. It is our hope that we can shed light on a subject that is all too common, but not talked about nearly enough. We hope you will join us in this brave journey of healing.  Resources referenced in this episode:National Statistics Domestic Violence Fact Sheet by, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/STATISTICSPrevail, INC located in Noblesville, IN provides crisis intervention and restorative support services for adult, adolescent and child survivors of crime and abuse. You can access their website here: https://www.prevailinc.com/The Julian Center is a domestic abuse treatment center located in Indianapolis, IN. You can access their website here: https://www.juliancenter.org/Virtual therapy resource: https://www.betterhelp.com/*When Life Gives You Lemons podcast is not sponsored by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Prevail, The Julian Center, or Betterhelp.comFollow Anna Skinner on social media! Instagram: @annaskinner18

On this week's episode, I sit down with special guest Mackinzi Bradshaw to discuss the challenges of being a first-time, stay-at-home mom vs. being in corporate America.  As females, we feel pressure daily to fit inside the box that society tells us we should fit within. These pressures look different because of the different paths we are on, but the heart of overcoming them is the same. We also talk about how we maintain our strong friendship through intentionality, vulnerability, and authenticity even though we are on very different paths in life. The CDC reports that 1 in 10 women in the United States have experienced an episode of major depression in the past year. When focusing on postpartum depression, that number can reach as high as 1 in 5, depending on the state. That is why we, as women, should stand together and support one another through life's challenges. Whether that's having a new baby, starting a new career, or simply trying to figure out who you are in the world as a woman - we need each other, now more than ever.Let's make lemonade!Resources:Depression Among Woman: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/index.htmBetterHelp therapy resource: https://www.betterhelp.com/*This podcast is not sponsored by BetterHelp.com

On this episode, I sit down with special guest, Meagan McBride, to discuss what it's like being a first generation college student and the challenges of transferring schools. We also provide advice on navigating college life and the "real world" post-graduation.A first generation college graduate is defined as a student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree.  This does not include extended members of the family, such as grandparents, aunt/uncles, etc.  Additionally, your parents may have attended some college courses, but they did not complete a degree, which would still classify you as a first generation college student based on certain institutions' definitions. Why is this important?According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, "the term 'first-generation' implies the possibility that a student may lack the critical cultural capital necessary for college success because their parents did not attend college" Thus, having an understanding of the needs of first-generation college students allows the opportunity for institutions to come alongside these students and provide additional support so that they may be as successful as their peers and have a sense of belonging on campus.Read more about this topic at:Defining First-Generation by, Center for First-Generation Student Success: https://firstgen.naspa.org/blog/defining-first-generationFollow Meagan on Instagram: @meggyweggy406

In this episode, I discuss the “lemons” that spiraled into my mental health challenges and eventual attempt at taking my own life freshman year of college. I share how I was able to use this experience to empower others to step into their power and own their story. I also provide risk factors and warning signs for suicide as well as tips on how to show up with courage and vulnerability when someone is in crisis. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is out there. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741741. You are not alone and I'm so happy you're here.  Resources Referenced in This Episode:Risk Factors and Warning Signs for Suicide provided by the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/"It's Okay to Not Be Okay" IUPUI Student Talks presented by Samantha Brinkman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PitmGl1PnHAVirtual therapy provider: https://www.betterhelp.com/*When Life Gives You Lemons Podcast is not sponsored by the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or Betterhelp.com

In this episode, we dive further into the topic of "Deconstructing Faith." April Reuning joins me as a special guest to define what "Deconstructing Faith" means to her and how her faith journey has been impacted by her past experiences.  Follow April on Instagram or Tik Tok (@aprilajoy) for more content around challenging faith in a humorous and honest way. Resources:What Is Faith Deconstruction?  By, Melanie Mudge with The Sophia Society: https://www.sophiasociety.org/blog/what-is-faith-deconstructionSearching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by, Rachel Held Evans: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sunday-Loving-Leaving-Finding/dp/0718022122

Episode Summary:This will be a three part series on religious trauma, deconstructing religion, and purity culture. In this episode, I introduce the concept of “deconstructing religion.” This is not the same as “destructing religion.” Rather, it is the re-evaluating of one's religious views and indoctrination, while still keeping your faith in tact. I talk about the religious trauma I experienced as a child growing up in a strict sector of the Christian faith and how this led to me reconceptualizing my faith identity as an adult.Resources Referenced in This Episode:What Is Faith Deconstruction?  By, Melanie Mudge with The Sophia Society: https://www.sophiasociety.org/blog/what-is-faith-deconstructionSearching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by, Rachel Held Evans: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sunday-Loving-Leaving-Finding/dp/0718022122

In the second episode, I discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), or potentially traumatic life events that occur in childhood (0-17 years.) The assessment for ACEs, located in the resource page of the podcast site at: https://whenlifegivesyoulemonspodcast.wordpress.com/resources/, can help conceptualize the trauma you may have experienced as a child. ACEs can have a tremendous impact on our mental and physical health if left untreated due to the negative impact on health outcomes in adulthood. There is help though to process through your trauma and flip the script. Let's make lemonade!Additional resources referenced in this episode: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime - Nadine Burke Harrishttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ovIJ3dsNk&t=6sVirtual therapy provider: https://www.betterhelp.com/. *When Life Gives You Lemons podcast is not sponsored by BetterHelp.com.

On this episode, I explain the premise of this podcast and why I started this movement. In the earlier episodes, I'll dive into the various personal experiences that can impact our professional lives. From there, we'll dive into the ways that we can use these personal and professional experiences to grow into the best versions of ourselves while living more authentically and courageously.