Optimistically Overwhelmed

DeDe and Chelsea are so excited to share this special episode that has been sitting on the cutting-room floor for 5 months!!  Before their (longer-than-planned) hiatus this summer the ladies recorded this episode, and haven’t released it yet.  Luckily, their message still rings as true now as it did 5 months ago when they recorded it.     Chelsea brings up another gratitude “beauty” that has helped her change her perspective and give positivity to life’s situations.  Both ladies agree that there is no such things as “too many” gratitude beauties!   DeDe gets up close and personal as she shares a realization (and answer) she recently came to in her “job” as a mother.  This discussion is the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate our lives and roles and ask yourself what your “kitchen” is (the place you need to be the most).   So, sit back, listen, and enjoy this delayed-release … and ignore any references to Easter!    Don’t forget to GO BE GREAT … and SHINE BRIGHT!

It is that time of year … football season!  Without meaning to DeDe and Chelsea BOTH picked “beauties” this episode that come from our favorite fall sport.     Chelsea shares the lesson she learned from a recent college football game, and reminds us all that we might “fail” … even at things we consider ourselves really good at.  She goes on to discuss what it means to give ourselves grace and patience, and to then move on to the “next kick.”   For DeDe’s beauty she quotes her son’s defensive coach who yells out to “Make a Play.  Change the Game.”  DeDe breaks down all of the “games” we are each playing in our life … maybe we have a spouse game + parent game + work game + faith game + health game, etc.  (The list goes on!)  It’s easy to feel like we are losing each game because life is a LOT.  DeDe challenges the tribe to make a list of each “game” and to make ONE play in each game … knowing it can change the whole game.   The ladies hope the tribe gets in a football mood while listening to this episode!  And,

Welcome back Tribe!  This episode DeDe and Chelsea are channeling their “wild side” with animal-themed “beauties!” :)  [Totally didn’t plan it that way - they were just on the same wavelength. Ha!]   DeDe shares with the listeners an old legend about two wolves living inside of each of us.  She goes on to discuss all of the different “wolfs” we might have in our lives that are fighting to be fed, and reminds us all that we can choose which ones to feed.   Later in the episode Chelsea relates a story she learned about the power of choice, how we can each choose our attitudes, and how choosing to soar can affect our lives.   Don’t forget to GO BE GREAT … and SHINE BRIGHT!   Episode Links - Chelsea's Interview "Make it a Claudine Day" with Two Average Girls podcast 

DeDe & Chelsea are BACK with a fresh new season, and are ready to help each other (and YOU) stay “Optimistically Overwhelmed!”  ❤️  The ladies have missed this podcast tribe and couldn’t wait to get back behind the microphone.   After they catch up (where in the world have they been?!?) DeDe and Chelsea share their beauties … starting with Chelsea’s Back-to-School theme.  You also won’t want to miss a special “Make it a Claudine Day” call-in.     DeDe finishes up the episode with a beauty about gratitude, and shares a classic story about optimism and reminds us we can all find blessings in our lives (even admist the trials).     Have a great day … Go Be Great … and Shine bright!

DeDe and Chelsea were thrilled to interview an amazing life coach for teens on this week’s new episode.  Lindsay (from Youth Rising Coach) is not only a life coach, but a busy mother of six from Prince Edward Island (hello … dreamy!!).   One of the many things Lindsay is passionate about in her work is giving parents some “tools” to help them with their teenagers, and it was clear to DeDe and Chelsea that it was EXACTLY what they needed to hear.  Tune in and listen to Lindsay’s 3 important shifts that parents can make when dealing with their children. The ladies know their listeners are going to love and listen (and re-listen) to Lindsay’s advice and tips.  You can also find the Youth Rising Coach on YouTube, her website, and on Instagram! (see links below) Hope you all have a wonderful week … Go shine BRIGHT!   Episode Links: Youth Rising website Youth Rising YouTube channel @youthrisingcoach on Instagram

Join in and listen as DeDe & Chelsea chat about their latest “beauties!”  In this episode DeDe brings in another surprise call-in …. someone that brought some “glitter” to her family’s life in 2021.  DeDe describes what she learned about opening her heart (even when she didn’t think she had space) and about the importance of having REAL-life connections. Chelsea is READY for springtime and shares what “beauty” she has found in this new season.  Springtime is amazing and by observing it we can  see so many real-life applications. Thank you for joining the ladies … they are so happy to have you in their “tribe” of listeners!

Hooray!   DeDe & Chelsea are back after a little “spring break” … and they have missed their tribe! Come listen in as they catch up and share their latest beauties.  Chelsea’s beauty comes from the concept of “putting on your OWN oxygen mask first” (like in the airplane safety instructions), and what she’s recently learned about prioritizing our health, reaching out for help, and making sure we have enough “oxygen” to live our purpose. DeDe shares some sweet thoughts about being better friends, and making real connections.  We all know it’s hard to fit more into our lives, but we should take the time to make those connections and find joy in the process. Have a great week everyone … Go shine BRIGHT!   Episode Links: Brooke Romney post: “It’s time to stop just being friendly, a start being a friend”

Welcome to another new episode of Optimistically Overwhelmed … where DeDe and Chelsea hunt for “beauties” and share them with their tribe! Chelsea chats about how easy it can be to fall into a “comparison trap,” but then how freeing it can be to focus only on your OWN road and journey (instead of someone in the “lane” next to you). When she can’t control what is going on in the world DeDe says she can either be defeated/depressed or she can make what small difference she can and “Rise Up!”   The ladies hope you enjoy this episode and feel so grateful for your support!  Please share with friends and spread the “beauty!”   Episode Links - Courtney: Beyond the Cake episode with Charity Lighten 

DeDe and Chelsea are excited to share this new episode with the tribe.  They are the first to admit that they can't do life alone - we all need "experts" to turn to when we have questions or struggles.  Introducing a fun, new concept to our show ... "phone-a-friend!"  During her beauty DeDe phones a surprise "expert" to help talk her through a current situation and to get some helpful advice.  You won't want to miss their sweet discussion, and the realization that when you are pouring SO much of yourself into others you need to also be drinking and filling yourself. It's hard to believe but we've all reached the 2-year milestone of the pandemic!  Chelsea shares a subtle lesson she's learned from the last two years about "reframing" our days and not attaching fixed labels (like "good day" or "bad day").   Come and listen in - and don't forget to share with your friends!

Welcome to another brand new episode of Optimistically Overwhelmed!  We are all effected by the scary news in the world right now, but DeDe and Chelsea agree that this is exactly when we NEED to find beauties around us and share them.   Elephants are amazing animals and can teach us so much!  Chelsea shares some lessons she learns about sisterhood from female elephants and the way they protect and encircle each other. DeDe chats about boundaries, and some pretty big changes she made after re-evaluating her priorities.  And she shares a hilarious way to think about our roles “in the band” and the importance of evaluating/prioritizing so we are NOT a grumpy tambourine player in the back.   Episode links: “3 Ways to Set Boundaries” by Brene Brown

On this episode DeDe and Chelsea are thrilled to introduce their listeners to the amazing Adriene.  This mother of 4 shares with the ladies her journey from homeschooling her children in her converted red barn schoolhouse to sharing her talents and heart with other children in the community.  From the lessons and work ethic she learned from her immigrant grandparents to the passion Adriene has for igniting children’s imaginations … you will fall in love with her big heart as she shares about her life. Like so many of us, Adriene had to pivot during the pandemic with her small business and she chats with the ladies about the beauty that came from that pivot (for her family AND her business).   You also won’t want to miss Adriene describing the process and experience she had writing (and publishing) an illustrated children’s book with her four children!  (“The Magic Maple Tree” )   Episode Links: - Adventures in the Schoolhouse:  Website, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook - Find "The Magic Maple Tree" book here

Join DeDe and Chelsea for another new episode!  Chelsea shares what she learned about focusing on the “buds” (and not just the “roses” and “thorns” in our lives), and how much hope those potential buds are bringing her as she looks ahead to 2022.   Self-love is something the ladies believe strongly in, and DeDe explains why, what type of self-love they are referring to, and (most importantly) how to FIND that self-love.   As always, the ladies LOVE feedback from their tribe … feel free to reach out to them and share your insights into “nurturing the buds” and “self love!”

Episode Notes:   After their winter “break” DeDe and Chelsea are back on the mics with a new episode. The ladies have missed their tribe, and couldn’t wait to get this 2022 party started! DeDe & Chelsea begin the episode by each sharing a “beauty” that described 2021 … what they learned and discovered during another crazy year.  After that time of reflection the ladies share how they are looking ahead to ’22, and what goals they are reaching for.     Episode links: - Book, The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles - Book, The Long Winter, by Laura Ingall’s Wilder - Google’s “Year in Search” video

DeDe & Chelsea were thrilled to finally sit down and have a long chat with their friend Jenny for today’s new episode.  They covered everything from intentional parenting to the importance of doing hard things, pivoting during COVID and giving yourself an “off-season.”  Plus SO SO SO much more. Come and listen in, and be inspired by Jenny’s nuggets of wisdom, stories, and positive attitude!   Episode Links Jenny's interview with Two Average Girls podcast

DeDe and Chelsea hope everyone had an AMAZING Thanksgiving, and wanted to let the “tribe” know how grateful they are for their incredible support and loyal listening!! On this new episode DeDe & Chelsea both base their “beauties” on the upcoming holiday season!  Chelsea shares a family tradition that helps her stay on top of the busy month, and offers other suggestions to “Keep Calm and Merry On.”   Christmas time is DeDe’s FAVORITE season - so you will definitely find her “Dancing in December!”  DeDe focuses this episode on the importance of gratitude, and how it can bring so much joy to the season when we open our eyes to the beauty around us, and when we look outside of ourselves.     Episode Links: “Live in Thanksgiving Daily” by Joseph B. Wirthlin

DeDe & Chelsea could not be more thrilled to be back with the “tribe” this week on a brand new episode!   DeDe’s “beauty” focuses on real-life connection, and asks us all “what kind of ‘influencer’ are you?”  And what are you letting influence you?  DeDe reflects back on the last few weeks and gives wonderful examples of how she was “influenced” by real experiences and real people.   Chelsea shares what she’s learned recently about “emotional intelligence” and about a few characteristics found in emotionally intelligent people.  She breaks down one characteristic in particular … the ability to fail (or FALL!) and try again.   *Don't forget - we'd LOVE to hear from you!  You can email us at optimisticallyoverwhelmed@gmail.com   Episode Links: - “Why emotionally intelligent people still follow Colin Powell’s 13 Rules for Leaders” by Bill Murphy Jr. - Post about “failing” by Simon Sinek   ALSO - check out the *Major* Beauty Counter deal this month with code CLEANFORALL20. DeDe's link Chelsea's link 

DeDe & Chelsea are so excited to be back with their tribe and sharing their latest “beauties” on this new episode!    Since challenging us all to “check our temperature” and where we are at DeDe has been doing some re-alining and asking herself who she is when the world isn’t watching.  On this episode she shares some “mini” beauties and questions that have helped her with “Faithing It Til’ She Makes It.”   November is a great time to discuss gratitude, and Chelsea shares some new thoughts on how to make “Gratitude Grow” like a weed and spread.  She challenges the tribe to find things to be grateful for in places you don’t normally look, and shares the amazing power that comes from mindfully practicing gratitude.     Episode Links: - The ladies would LOVE to hear from you ... feedback, YOUR beauties, and more.  You can email them at optimisticallyoverwhelmed@gmail.com   DeDe & Chelsea wanted to share something they both are obsessed with - the products AND the company ... Beauty Counter. The month of

DeDe and Chelsea can’t wait for you to meet their amazing guest, Bre, on today’s episode!  Bre’s story of pivoting after the pandemic hit, and building a life that she loves will inspire and touch you.  After DeDe was introduced to Bre, and sat down to hear her experience DeDe KNEW that this amazing woman needed to share her story of strength and resilience with all of you.   Come listen and fall in love with this amazing hustler, momma and wife! Episode Links: Bre's Website Bre's Instagram

Are you ready for some deep-thinking?!?! :)    DeDe and Chelsea are coming at you with some self-reflecting questions in this week’s new episode.     After her family’s recent vacation, Chelsea couldn’t stop thinking about the beauty and inspiration she found at Walden Pond in Concord, MA.  In this episode she talks about the beauty of quiet, and finding a place (or a time!) to recharge, reflect and be inspired.   DeDe then leads a conversation on happiness, and how to ask yourself what your baseline happiness “temperature” is.  When life gets hard, what can we do to get that baseline back up to the perfect temperature?     Come listen in, and feel free to share this episode with friends!    Episode Links - “Where’s Your Walden?” by The Walden Woods Project - “How to (Still) Be Happy” on Science Rules! with Bill Nye

100 episodes!  100?!?!  DeDe and Chelsea are celebrating BIG on this milestone episode with ….. (drum roll) …. a surprise guest!!!   Join DeDe, Chelsea (and their guest) as they recount some of their favorite “beauties” from the last 99 episodes.     The ladies agree that they feel so blessed to have this platform to share positive, uplifting, and inspiring messages with their tribe.  It’s been one heck of a journey, and has stretched them WAY out of their comfort zones.   THANK YOU to you amazing listeners for your incredible support!   Please join them on this fun episode (which, as always, has lots of laughing and lots of tears)!