About Progress

As I've spent the last decade and a half recovering from my own eating disorder, I have had the most success with intuitive eating. You don't need to be afraid of it; of letting go of diets and restrictions. It is possible to live life in accordance to your values, on the other side of harmful dieting or disordered eating. Beth Summers, author, coach, and foodie, teaches how to shift your relationship with your body and food. She says, "Eating intuitively is using your intuition, which I consider to be a combination of your body, mind, and spirit." If you're struggling with the how, she address tackling your fears, leaning in to the discomfort and allowing the process. Tune in for the permission to unlearn diet culture and relearn those instincts you were born with. For me, breaking the chains of disordered eating allowed me to bring power back into my life. When you think about it, diets are really allowing someone else to control you, and you really naturally try to defy that. Intuitive eating will always b

You may have guessed from my months of semi-eluding, and probably saw this post, but we are officially moving! We sold our home, by owner, during a pandemic, and don't know exactly where we're going to land. Sound crazy? I get it, I do, but I'm actually feeling an exciting sense of curiosity and adventure. My husband, Brad, agreed to join me for this episode to answer your questions and share each of our feelings on this big leap. We do know where we are temporarily going, but hope to take our time choosing our potential forever home. You'll get a real glimpse into how my mind works as I share the two contradictory visions I have, plus hear our truest priorities as we move forward. I hope this episode answers some questions, but also shows you that making big decisions is never easy, even if it's right. We share what we're most excited for, and also the tough parts about leaving our home of 12 years together. You'll also get a glimpse into our family life, the values we try to hold to, and that even though th

Notice the title of this episode isn't how to gain confidence, it's how to strengthen yours. That means you already have it, and if you're doubting that then you just need to uncover it. If you're basing your confidence just on the surface, then you're not really living up to your fullest potential. Wherever you fall, the episode will teach you how to progress. Arielle Estoria is a creator, writer, and speaker spreading light and positivity. She was also a self described "professional wallflower" for many years. Her description of not wanting to take up too much space may resonate with many of you, as it totally did for me. She details how she broke free of that mentality, giving herself permission and gaining the confidence she feels is her gift to share with others. It's time to recognize the power and gifts you already have, and step into the power they hold. If this feels too vulnerable, that's normal. Arielle has just two steps you can take to "dream it out" and start living the life you've been given. A

I mentioned in this month's introduction episode, that your habits are neutral. It's worth a short solo episode explaining what that really means and how it can help you grow. You should feel some relief, you don't need to dramatically, or painfully, change your habits. You can, however, shift your views, to align with your values, and therefore shape your habits. Remove that familiar all-or-nothing way of viewing your habits, because when we moralize our habits we moralize ourselves. You are not inherently good or bad because of a helpful or unhelpful habit that you have. I want to encourage a more positive, and productive, way of viewing your habits. Of course I'm sharing exactly what this looks like in my life with things like eating habits and social media usage. As you listen you may identify your own views on habits you have, so I'm telling you the exact rephrasing I use to separate my worth from my actions. There are a few other simple tips I have, but ultimately hope that by listening you can achieve

Do you want to know the most pivotal piece of advice a therapist ever shared with me? As I was finally seeking treatment after struggling for years with my eating disorder I was told this: you will deal with this forever. And I was actually relieved! I explain further in the episode, along with our mental-health-therapist guest, on the ways to better cope with your mental health struggles. Kimberley Quinlan is a mother, business owner, therapist, and podcaster. She also, somewhat uniquely, self discloses the mental health struggles she has learned to live with. With a specialty in obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders, Kimberley has a strong and soothing approach. Her motto is "It's a beautiful day to do hard things." There are 3 main things we want listeners to learn from this episode, but in addition to those concrete steps you will feel empowered and able. As we focus this month on being healthy, not getting healthy, you'll understand the strength and resilience you possess because of m

Today I'm introducing the theme for May (really the next 6 weeks) with a disclaimer that, no, this is not turning into a diet and fitness podcast and blog. But, I do feel passionately about the importance of being healthy in allll aspects of your life. Tune in all month for interviews on achieving healthy habits that align with your values. Spoiler alert: this is not a quick fix, one-size-fits-all approach I'm offering. Using 4 tips, that I thoroughly explain, I teach that your mindset is the HOW. Your habits, and therefore your health, should support the values you already identify with. The emphasis is on being healthy, NOT getting healthy. With a goal to live with happiness and wholeness as a healthy being I want you to understand self compassion, purpose, and identity. Your habits are actually neutral, not inherently bad nor good. Once you remove the shame, you can get to work on all aspects of your healthiest self. Listen to how this has personally worked for me and will work for you, too. About a few ot

We spent this past month learning about what I might even call my favorite theme yet, live with purpose. I hope you come away from the fantastic interviews this month knowing you don't need to find your purpose, you already have it. At first I wasn't sure if the theme was relevant given the current pandemic, but this community showed up and showed me the real importance of infecting purpose into our every day lives. As always, in addition to the "Dear Progressor," listener submissions I share what's going on in the Packer home and how I got schooled this month. We have (obviously) been spending tons of time at home and as a family, but a few things we do almost daily have really meant the most to me. I'm even considering permanently keeping a new change! There was so much to be learned from this month's interviews, but I'm boiling down what stood out most to me. Sara Dean and Tallia Deljou mentioned perusing a book store as a way to better know your interests - so hopefully we can all get out and do that soon

This is a power-packed episode meant to teach you how to play off your strengths, to add purpose to your present life. If that sentence, or just the title, has you bringing up your guards, wait just a second! All the questions you need to ask yourself are here for you to use right away, to learn how your strengths can guide your path. Tallia Deljou is a coach and podcaster with a background in positive psychology. Her bright perspective on helping women find joy in their purpose and strengths is evident. This interview also does not shy away from the depths this type of journey can take, but is equipped with the tools to help you. For many women the simple question of "What are your strengths?" isn't so simple at all. Everyone has their own personal story for why that is, but we can all learn how to find an answer. It starts with understanding fear, then considering skills versus strengths and ultimately challenging ourselves to continue in purpose. As you tune in, keep a mental or physical list to narrow in

What does organization bring to mind for you? Do you jump to "the kitchen", "loose papers", "kids' clothing", or other large-project things? Perfectionism would have you think that's the only choice, and that kind of thinking is exactly what hijacks your growth. If you can shift your identity, you will shift your organization habits and outcomes. Organization is sooo much more than the overwhelming spaces of your home. I teach organization first in your mind, then as well in your space and time. When it comes to your mind, your identity, I want you to admit the story you're telling yourself. Is it: I'm lazy. I'm a procrastinator. All-or-nothing. I'm scatterbrained and inconsistent. I'm a non-starter. I'm a non-finisher. In this episode I'll tell you what I used to believe about myself and how it hindered so much progress in my whole life. I'll also teach you what I tell myself now. You can shift your beliefs from limiting to empowering. About a few other things... With all this time we have been spending at h

In all honesty, I almost titled this episode, "How to Not Lose Your Shiz When Life Happens." I want you to tune in and know you're not alone in the feelings of panic, fear, anger, sadness or whatever else overwhelms you in this moment. And then, I want you to learn what you can do and how to stay calm in times of stress like these. Our returning guest, Jen Riday, is a mother of 6, podcaster and women's coach. She talks about her love of statistics, even spreadsheets, and routines that usually work for her. But given her personal experience with COVID-19, and a journey through all the stages of grief, Jen had to shift her routines. She is sharing the specific techniques that have allowed her to stay calm in these times of epic stress. If embracing the new normal, and even feeling like your self, has become a battle, tune in to this episode for some practical tips. Jen encourages us to identify our feelings, and feel them. Using B.O.L.D. meditation (a genius acronym!) in addition to her solid morning routine, s

Today's episode might make you uncomfortable, but remember, you can have the discomfort of not growing or the discomfort of growing. Let's get started by asking yourself, whose life are you living? Is it really yours and are you really doing it with purpose? Because if not, and you're living for your children, your partner, your parents, etc. then this episode serves to teach you that you don't have to be the sacrificial lamb of your family. Dr. Julie Hanks is lending her expertise as a wife, mother, author, and therapist. She is passionate about self growth even within motherhood and shedding light on finding your sense of self. Here are some spoilers: make your needs just as important as your family's, you are doing a disservice to your children if you each them the word revolves around them, and you can't be selfless without a self. If you feel a little bit lost, uncertain of where to start, or even what's missing, I have been there. In fact, I'm sharing an experience I had years ago that made me feel like

As the days sort of blur together during the current pandemic I want to remind you of something important. I believe in, and teach, anchoring in to yourself often, but during these hardest of times it feels that much more important. Tune in to this solo episode, a growth spurt, on why your personal habits matter, especially during the hard times. It really is the little things we've developed over time that keep us whole, even sane. Lean in to those personal habits to feel strong, so you can keep going. I recognize that our ability to keep up with routines may change with the seasons we're in. But, with patience and persistence you can stay committed. I'm sharing more specifics in the episode, but things like the daily exercise my body is used to, or maintaining the sleep habits I've worked so hard on, make all the difference. Think back to the routines and personal habits you maybe used to keep but have let slip, and pick just a few to get back into and help you anchor into yourself again. About a few other

With the COVID-19 pandemic we are all kind of losing track of what day it is. But, the topic of this interview is not specific to this time. In motherhood, and just life itself, we can sometimes feel like we're living a Groundhog Day. And even if that's how you're feeling, you can still find purpose. Sara Dean is a mother, coach, and podcaster at Shameless Mom Academy who believes in living bigger, bolder, and better. In this episode she's opening up about the parts of her story that helped her realize her purpose as she encourages listeners to do the same. This may sound a little harsh, but we're not afraid of a kick-in-the-pants around here, right? If you're putting off the challenge behind this month (living with purpose) is it because you are just sitting in the comfort of your excuses? Sara describes it as "picking your pain" when you choose between staying stagnant or growing forward. Both choices are actually uncomfortable, but really only one lends itself towards how to find purpose in your life and m

When I am asked, "How do I find my purpose?" I have kind of an unconventional response: nobody has one, lifelong purpose, to be found. Because it's not about what you do, but who you are. I want to encourage you to live a life of meaning and substance and purpose no matter what you do. Instead of trying to find your purpose, it's time to live with purpose. To help keep this manageable for you I'm breaking it down into 3 ways you can start right away to live with purpose. Stop seeking for the what and live the how. Believe you matter and live like you matter. You get to decide, think deeper. I really hope you take the time to tune in to this episode, to do something just for you, because it will truly benefit everything around you. I'm sharing a guided exercise that I've previously only shared in my workshops to help you dig deep and feel your worth. You will be empowered to live with purpose immediately, it is so important and you are so important. About a few other things... With all this time we have be

Each month I ask for you, the listeners, to send in a soundbite sharing how you've grown or what you've learned this month. Given the way our world has been turned upside down this month I'm not surprised there was only one submission. As you listen, though, I know her perspective on comparison will resonate with you. I also give my (hopefully encouraging) thoughts on life and growth during these uncertain times. I share more in the episode about how this year I'm focusing on the specific purpose of this podcast and community. I want to serve you, in ways that really count, because this has never been a fan club for me. Earlier this year I launched our private membership group, and it has quickly become the best example of this community. In that group the women share openly, support one another, find accountability, and more all with my attention. There are coaching calls, a book club, challenges and other ways for you to find connection as you grow. I share more in the episode about how this year I'm focusi

At the time we are publishing this episode our country, and world, is facing the pandemic of COVID-19. With respect to the gravity of this situation we do touch on its applicability as part of this topic. We also hope that the tips shared here can support you through this time, but also beyond. And before you totally write-off productivity, tune in for just a few minutes. You'll see that there are ways to boost your productivity as a busy mom regardless of your season in motherhood. Brittney Hanks, of Homegrown Traditions, is a mother of 4 who focuses on teaching other moms simplify and focus on what is essential in their lives. She believes in quality time with family, and promotes even the easiest of ways to accomplish that. In today's episode she shares how her season of motherhood have changed, and how that affects productivity. Regardless of your season, she teaches that feeling productive each day actually refuels us. Her tips include doing one thing each day that can't be undone, how to capitalize on y

Just like all of you, these last couple weeks have been weird as we navigate a new, and changing, normal. I'm right there with you with all of my family at home in our small home, all the time, still needing to fulfill many of our obligations. Instead of crumbling under the pressure I am focusing on how to stay strong. This episode is simply my thoughts on finding strength and stability during this uncertain time. I want you to know that you are a leader, amongst your family and community. You can lead with clarity and confidence. Tune in for ideas on how to seek meaning, employ radical self care, and lean into intentionality. It's time to anchor into yourself, for your own sake, but also for any that depend on you. About a few other things... Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support. If you want t

You may have noticed somewhat of a trend this month as we discuss meaningful productivity - it's priorities! In this episode you'll hear the questions to ask yourself to identify just a few of your top priorities. You will be able to better plan your days, and attain actual balance in your day-to-day life. With a clear idea of these values, you'll understand how to know when you've done enough each day. Ceri Payne is a private life coach helping mompreneurs and creatives discover their priorities in life so that they can plan and organize their day and time with purpose and intention. In this interview she gives you tools to narrow down on your priorities, so you can focus on just you. You can stop comparing yourself to others, or even to other versions of you, to live each day intentionally and feel fulfilled. Don't let your expectations set you up for failure. Ceri shares exactly what this looked like in her life; including what she actually had to give up to better herself. You can consider your "not prior

We can't only do the fun things all the time. You sometimes need to say yes and do things you don't want to do, in order to move our progress needle forward. Think about the rule of law, driving the speed limit for instance. Think about an olympic athlete putting in insane hours of practice that they might not want to, but need to because they do want the outcome. For you, what are some of the things you don't like to do but are willing to lean in to? As you develop yourself and step into your true values, you'll see the ultimate benefit of this practice. In this episode I'm sharing ways this has worked in my life, even with things like getting my laundry done. I've determined three ways you can move things from the dreaded "should" list, to the "I want to" list. Remember, this month is focused on meaningful productivity so these tips are meant to be simple and doable. I also talk a lot about your values in this episode, so if you haven't taken this quiz yet to narrow those down, start there. About a few othe

When you finally lay down in bed at night, where is the first place your mind goes? Are you frantically reviewing your half finished to-do list, feeling shame and guilt over it? You're not alone! So many of us do this, then the next day we either over manage our time and become obsessed, or under manage out of fear. It's an exhausting cycle and I, for one, am over it! In today's interview learn how to dramatically shift your time management starting with just 5 minutes a day. Steven Lawson won't be a total stranger if you've been a listener for a little while now. He is the founder of Monk Manual, the planner that radically improved my time management and productivity. But don't worry, this is not an episode devoted to using a planner. Steven is giving us his insight and tips that will help anyone looking to put some soul back into their productivity. To start, we discuss what you're doing wrong with your time management and learn how to shift your outcome based mindset. Tune in to feel empowered to cut your