The Well-Tended Life

Episode 86: You’re Not the Problem With Lori Montry

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with author, nervous system educator, and former corporate attorney Lori Montry to talk about the patterns so many women carry—and why they may not be flaws at all, but adaptations created to help us survive.

Lori shares her deeply personal story of childhood trauma, disordered eating, perfectionism, and years spent trying to “fix” herself through achievement and control. From graduating at the top of her class and attending Harvard Law School to eventually walking away from corporate law, Lori explains how nervous system healing changed the way she understood herself—and ultimately changed her life.

Together, we talk about survival mode, emotional eating, people pleasing, overwhelm, and the ways women disconnect from their bodies without even realizing it. Lori gently unpacks the difference between the adapted self and the expansive self, and why healing begins not with shame, but with safety and self-understanding.

We also explore practical ways to reconnect with yourself through nervous system check-ins, embodiment practices, and learning to ask the simple but powerful question: What do I need right now?

This conversation is honest, compassionate, and full of hope for anyone who has ever felt exhausted from trying harder and still not feeling okay.

💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ You are not the problem—you adapted to survive.

2️⃣ Many coping behaviors are actually intelligent nervous system responses.

3️⃣ Healing doesn’t begin with fixing yourself. It begins with feeling safe.

4️⃣ Your body has been trying to protect you all along.

5️⃣ Awareness changes everything—especially when it’s rooted in compassion instead of shame.

6️⃣ Nervous systems thrive on gentle, consistent check-ins and care.

7️⃣ The goal isn’t perfection. It’s learning how to support yourself differently.

If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, overwhelmed by your own patterns, or wondering why “trying harder” never seems to work, this episode will remind you that healing is possible—and that you are already worthy.

Connect with Lori Montry:

Website: http://www.lorimontry.com/

Book: You’re Not the Problem

Instagram: @lorimontry

Lori Montry is a nervous system educator, speaker, and the creator of the Nervous System Freedom Formula. After leaving a successful career in corporate law, Lori devoted her life to helping women understand the survival patterns driving their behaviors so they can heal from the inside out. Through her work, she combines neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, embodiment, and compassionate self-awareness to help women move from survival mode into a more expansive, regulated life.

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LTMS is my foundational course built around my simple 5-step practice that’s designed to help you slow down, clear mental clutter, notice what’s really going on in your life, and intentionally tend to what matters most.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

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Episode 85: It’s Not a Crisis—It’s an Emergence with Carolyn Flynn

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life Podcast, I sit down with memoirist, novelist, and speaker Carolyn Flynn for a conversation that feels like a deep exhale — honest, expansive, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from living through life’s many seasons.

What begins as a conversation about midlife quickly unfolds into something much richer: a heartfelt exploration of reinvention, grief, identity, and the quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) ways life calls us to become someone new.

Carolyn shares her powerful journey through empty nesting, career shifts, and accumulated loss — what she describes as a “colossal failure of the imagination” about what life could be next. But through that unraveling, she discovered something unexpected: freedom, creativity, and a boundless new chapter waiting to be designed.

Together, we explore what it means to tend to your inner world during seasons of change, to sit with discomfort instead of rushing past it, and to trust that even when life feels like it’s falling apart… something new is taking root.

We talk about:

🌿 Why midlife isn’t a crisis, but an emergence
🌿 How accumulated grief shapes us (and how to move through it)
🌿 The power of asking: “Why does this unstitch me?”
🌿 Emotional agility and learning to sit with discomfort
🌿 Letting go of rigid plans and designing life one day at a time
🌿 The shift from self-sufficiency to allowing support
🌿 Rediscovering your voice, creativity, and true self

Carolyn reminds us that even when life strips things away, there is a core part of you that remains untouched — and from that place, you can begin again.

💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Midlife isn’t the end of your story — it’s a new beginning.
2️⃣ Not all grief comes from death — some comes from becoming.
3️⃣ Asking “why does this unstitch me?” opens the door to healing.
4️⃣ Discomfort isn’t something to avoid — it’s where growth begins.
5️⃣ You don’t have to plan your whole life — just tend to today.
6️⃣ Freedom can feel like confusion… until you learn how to use it.
7️⃣ There is a part of you that cannot be broken — no matter what you lose.

If you’re navigating change, feeling untethered, or wondering what comes next, this episode is your reminder that there is still so much possibility ahead.

This isn’t the end.
It’s your becoming.

🌼 Connect with Carolyn Flynn:

Website: carolynflynn.com
Substack: carolynflynn.substack.com
Book: Boundless

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 84: Becoming the Author of Your Life with Lindsey Van Wagner

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life Podcast, I sit down with author, teacher, and wellness coach Lindsey Van Wagner for a conversation that feels like pure synchronicity — one of those unexpected, delightful connections that reminds us how beautifully our stories can intertwine.

What began as a curiosity about a possible shared connection to The Secret Garden quickly turned into something much deeper: a front porch-style conversation about growth, healing, storytelling, and the courage it takes to truly listen to ourselves.

Lindsey shares her powerful journey — from navigating addiction and feeling lost in her 20s, to getting sober and rebuilding her life with intention, creativity, and deep spiritual connection. Through her work and her book Spirit Vigilante, she now helps others reclaim their voice, rewrite their stories, and step into who they’re meant to be.

Together, we explore what it means to tend to your inner world, to notice the patterns shaping your life, and to gently (but bravely) choose a new way forward.

We talk about:

🌿 The magic of synchronicity and unexpected connections
🌿 How storytelling can become a path to healing
🌿 Moving from survival mode into intentional living
🌿 The courage it takes to be seen and heard
🌿 Why noticing your thoughts and patterns changes everything
🌿 Journaling, creativity, and finding your authentic voice
🌿 Treating life like an experiment instead of a performance

Lindsey reminds us that we are always writing our story — and that we have more power than we think to choose what comes next.

💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ You are the author of your life — whether you realize it or not.
2️⃣ Noticing is the first step to changing anything.
3️⃣ Your past doesn’t define you — it informs you.
4️⃣ You don’t need more tools — you need the courage to begin.
5️⃣ Life becomes more magical when you slow down enough to see it.
6️⃣ Your “weeds” aren’t failures — they’re information.
7️⃣ What if your life is just one big, beautiful experiment?

If you’ve been feeling a pull to slow down, reflect, or reconnect with your voice and your truth, this episode is your invitation to begin.

Connect with Lindsey Van Wagner:

Instagram: @spiritvigilante
Book: Spirit Vigilante: Telling My Truth to Help You Live Yours

Website: https://www.thespiritvigilante.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 83: Permission to Pause with Karen Bartholomew

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with coach, speaker, and founder of the PAUSE Method, Karen Bartholomew, for a powerful conversation about slowing down in a world that constantly pushes us to perform.

Karen shares her deeply personal journey — from feeling invisible as a child, to becoming a high-achieving single mom running on empty, to finally reaching a breaking point that forced her to ask: Who am I beneath all of this doing?

What followed was a courageous season of stepping back, unraveling old stories, and redesigning her life from the inside out. Out of that transformation came her 5-step PAUSE Method — a framework that helps women recognize patterns, untangle past conditioning, shift limiting narratives, and embody a new way of being.

We talk about:

🌿 The courage it takes to slow down

🌿 Why we teach people how to treat us

🌿 The difference between masculine striving and feminine receiving

🌿 Letting go of relationships that no longer fit your season

🌿 How to ask, “What do I need right now?” — and actually listen

🌿 Why peace isn’t something you chase, but something you choose

Karen reminds us that slowing down isn’t falling behind — it’s catching up to who you were always meant to be.

💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ You don’t need a crisis to deserve a pause.

2️⃣ Slowing down is courageous — it means choosing truth over performance.

3️⃣ We often live inside stories that are no longer true.

4️⃣ Awareness is the first step to freedom.

5️⃣ You can redesign your next chapter at any time.

6️⃣ Peace isn’t something you earn — it’s something you choose.

7️⃣ Ask yourself daily: Is this aligned with the life I’m creating?

If you’ve been running on empty, managing everyone else’s needs, or craving space to simply breathe and be — this episode is your invitation to pause.

Connect with Karen Bartholomew:

Website: https://karenbartholomew.com

Instagram & Facebook: @karenbartholomew

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 82: Hope All the Way Through with Theo Boyd

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with author and grief advocate Theo Boyd to talk about the kind of loss that changes everything—and the kind of hope that meets you there anyway.

Theo shares the story behind her books My Grief Is Not Like Yours and her follow-up USA Today best seller, Hope All the Way—including the tragic loss of her mother, the complicated layers that followed, and how she began journaling her way through the unthinkable. We talk about why grief shouldn’t be compared, why so many people feel pressure to “move on,” and what it looks like to hold sorrow and strength in the same hands.

We also explore the “signs” Theo began noticing in the darkest moments (including one unforgettable detail she calls Peanut Shells)—and how those sacred little reminders became anchors of comfort, faith, and healing. If you’ve ever wondered, Am I crazy for noticing this?, you are going to feel so seen.

This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply practical—full of permission to be sad, tools for walking alongside others, and encouragement to tend to your own heart first.

💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Grief is not a competition—the hardest loss is the one you’re living.

2️⃣ Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is simply show up and sit—no fixing required.

3️⃣ Don’t ask, “How can I help?” Offer something specific: groceries, laundry, a walk, a nap.

4️⃣ If you don’t deal with grief, it will deal with you—often later, and often louder.

5️⃣ Hope is still here… but we have to open our eyes to see it.

6️⃣ “My hobby is my health” might be the most life-giving reframe you’ll hear all week.

7️⃣ Healing often starts with one simple practice: breathe.

If you’re walking through loss—or loving someone who is—press play. This episode is a reminder that even in barren seasons, something beautiful can still grow.

Connect with Theo Boyd:

Website: thinktheo.com

Email: info@thinktheo.com

Social: @thinktheo (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads)

Thelizabeth “Theo” Boyd was born and raised on a farm in Whitney, Texas, named after her grandmothers Thelma and Elizabeth. Known as “Theo” since middle school, she began writing poems with her father and learning resilience from her mother. She pursued higher education later in life, becoming a high school English and Creative Writing teacher—earning “Rookie Teacher of the Year” her first year—and contributing as a newspaper column.

Her upcoming book, Hope All The Way: Discovering Divine Signs in Life After Loss (Forefront Books, December 2, 2025), is a heartfelt guide to help readers move through their grief and transition loss into purpose and hope.

When not writing or speaking, Theo enjoys farm life with her dog, Manly, as they build their new home. She is passionate about helping others navigate grief, using both personal stories and national research to offer hope and healing, and has recently become a Certified Grief Educator.

Connect with Theo Boyd:

https://thinktheo.com/hope-all-the-way/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 81: Feel It, Don’t Fear It with Alyssa Scarano

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with trauma-informed therapist and founder of The Collective Therapy & Wellness, Alyssa Scarano. Together, we explore one of the most transformative truths of tending your life: when you heal yourself, you expand your capacity to heal the world around you.

Alyssa shares how her own story—through art, writing, therapy, motherhood, and advocacy—shaped the way she views emotions not as problems to fix, but as signals to listen to. She offers powerful analogies (think Spidey senses and dashboard warning lights) that help us see our feelings as guides toward boundaries, needs, and deeper self-connection.

We also talk about emotional regulation (for us and our kids), the difference between thoughts and feelings, how social media keeps us distracted and disconnected, and why it’s time to retire the “good girl” and start using our true voice. Alyssa also opens up about parenting a neurodivergent child, broken systems, and the courage it takes to keep advocating while still choosing ease and joy where she can.

💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Your emotions aren’t inconveniences—they’re information.

2️⃣ Big feelings need calm, not correction.

3️⃣ You always have a choice in how you respond.

4️⃣ Boundaries are an act of self-love and self-preservation.

5️⃣ Healing your inner child changes how you show up for others.

If your heart needs permission to feel, breathe, and come back home to yourself, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

About Alyssa Scarano:

The Collective Therapy & Wellness—Online Therapy & Coaching

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 80: Goodness That Grows with Mary Latham

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with storyteller and kindness champion Mary Latham, founder of the nonprofit More Good Today. After losing her incredibly optimistic mother, Mary set out on a cross-country journey to gather stories of goodness—and what she discovered changed her life.

Over the course of three years and 43 states, Mary stayed with strangers and collected hundreds of real-life stories of human kindness. Her mission? To bring hope into hospital waiting rooms and remind us all that light still exists—even in our darkest moments.

Our conversation dives into grief, goodness, and what it really means to be present for one another. Mary shares how listening without judgment, giving your time freely, and choosing to see the good can quite literally transform a life—starting with your own.

This episode is a gentle, powerful nudge to slow down, look up, and love people better.

💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Sometimes, grief becomes the unexpected push that leads us into our most extraordinary purpose.

2️⃣ Despite what the headlines say—there are more kind and decent people in the world than we often realize.

3️⃣ Everyone you meet is carrying something. Let’s never assume otherwise.

4️⃣ A single act of kindness can echo through someone’s life for years—sometimes even decades.

5️⃣ Are we truly listening? In a noisy world, real connection starts with being fully present.

6️⃣ It’s okay if someone isn’t as present as we wish. Let’s meet them with grace—and lovingly invite them back to the moment.

So if your heart needs a reminder that goodness still grows, this episode is for you. Hit play and soak in this beautiful, hope-filled conversation.

Connect with Mary Latham:

In 2016, Mary Latham set out in her late mother’s Subaru, "Old Blue," on a cross-country journey to collect stories of human kindness from all 50 U.S. states. Over three years and 43,000 miles, she stayed in 154 strangers’ homes and shared her mission -More Good- at schools, churches, and community groups. Her journey gained national attention on platforms like MSNBC, The Today Show, and The Washington Post. Now the founder of More Good Today Inc., Mary is writing a book of these stories to donate to hospital waiting rooms and continues speaking to inspire hope and unity across the country.

Website: https://www.moregood.today/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 79: Honoring dreams. Healing grief. Living fully. With Laura Carney

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with writer and bucket-list finisher Laura Carney for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about saying yes to life—even in the wake of loss.

When Laura found her late father’s handwritten bucket list—left unfinished after his sudden death at age 54—she made a bold decision: she would complete it for him. What started as a tribute to his life turned into a powerful journey of healing, self-discovery, and joy.

Together, we explore the ways that tending to our own dreams can also help us tend to our grief, how rest and fun can be sacred acts of growth, and how surrendering to life’s callings can lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.

This episode is full of soul-stretching wisdom and reminders that living with intention doesn’t always mean doing big things—it’s about listening to your heart, choosing joy, and believing that you are worthy of both healing and happiness.

💫 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Laura shared vulnerably about fearing she was like her dad in the ways she didn’t want to be—until she realized she’d been seeing him only through the eyes of her childhood.

2️⃣ If you’ve forgotten that life is meant to be fun—pause and ask yourself: what are you even doing?

3️⃣ Your bucket list doesn’t have to be epic. Sometimes the smallest longings are the ones your soul most needs you to honor.

4️⃣ Don’t work for rest. Work from rest.

💛 So grab your journal and open your heart—this episode is an invitation to live more fully, tend more gently, and say yes to the life that’s calling you. Hit play now—you don’t want to miss this one.

Learn more about Laura here: https://myfatherslist.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 78: Forget the Fairytale: Rewriting the Stories That Hold Us Back with Deb Miller

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with Deb Miller—author, professor, grandmother, and truth-teller—for an honest and inspiring conversation about rewriting the stories we’ve been handed and daring to create a new kind of happily ever after.

Deb’s memoir Forget the Fairytale is both a personal journey and a call to women everywhere to release outdated scripts about who we should be, what a “good girl” does, and where our worth comes from. Through her own experiences of heartbreak, resilience, reinvention, and joy, she shows us how forgetting the fairytale can actually be the beginning of living more freely, authentically, and happily.

We talk about the cultural conditioning that keeps women small, the power of claiming our own stories, and how even Disney princesses have evolved from damsels in distress to warriors of their own destiny. Deb also shares the tender wisdom of her daughter’s words, her reflections on motherhood and career pivots, and why choosing happiness is not only possible but powerful.

Whether you’re navigating divorce, reinvention, or simply ready to stop living by someone else’s rules, this conversation will stir your courage, spark your imagination, and remind you that it’s never too late to write a new story.

✨ Here are a few Heart Taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Fairytales reflect culture—but they don’t have to define your life. You can change the story and the ending.

2️⃣ Happiness isn’t about circumstances—it’s about the choices we make every day.

3️⃣ Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is show your kids (and yourself) what strength looks like.

4️⃣ Transformation often starts with a moment—whether it feels like a slap in the face or an unexpected epiphany.

5️⃣ Forgetting the fairytale doesn’t mean giving up hope; it means creating your own version of happily ever after.

🌸 So grab your journal and settle in—this is a conversation about courage, freedom, and finding joy in the story you choose to tell.

CONNECT WITH DEB HERE:

https://forgetthefairytale.net/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 77: Healing, Horses, and Honoring Your Season with Sue Willoughby

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with transformational coach and equine-guided wisdom sharer Sue Willoughby for a beautiful conversation about growth, presence, and the unexpected power of horses in the healing journey.

With roots in many paths and a deep passion for helping others navigate life transitions, Sue brings a gentle yet powerful presence to her work. Through her equine-assisted coaching practice, she invites people to connect with themselves in a whole new way—by learning from the intuitive, non-verbal, deeply perceptive nature of horses.

We talk about the importance of play, curiosity, and learning to accept and adapt to the seasons of our lives. Sue also shares her personal journaling practices, her thoughts on gratitude, and how mindfulness—especially when paired with equine wisdom—can lead to lasting transformation.

Whether you’re in a season of transition, seeking a deeper connection to yourself, or just curious about how animals can help us heal, this conversation will stir your spirit and offer gentle guidance.

🐴 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Horses are powerful mirrors. Their natural sensitivity and herd instincts help us recognize what we might be missing—and open the door to transformation.

2️⃣ Equine coaching isn’t about the horse. It’s about you—and how the horse reflects your strengths, struggles, and spirit.

3️⃣ Let play be a part of your practice. It’s as essential to growth as work and rest.

4️⃣ Journaling can anchor your week and awaken gratitude. It’s a tool for tending, not just tracking.

5️⃣ Life has seasons. When we stop resisting and start listening, we can move through them with grace.

🌾 So grab your journal and open your heart—this episode is full of soulful reminders and unexpected wisdom from the pasture. Hit play and let your journey unfold.

Connect with Sue Willoughby:

Willoughby Coaching

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 76: The Thoughts That Changed Everything with Judith Belmont

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Have you ever stopped to think about the power of a single thought?

Not just the passing kind, but the ones that shape your beliefs, your reactions, your inner world?

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life, I sit down with author, psychotherapist, and emotional wellness expert Judith Belmont to explore the life-changing power of tending to your thoughts. With over 40 years of experience in the mental health field and 11 books under her belt, including her latest 110 CBT Tips and Tools, Judith shares simple, practical strategies to shift the way we think, feel, and live.

We dig into the core of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), talk journaling as a transformational practice, and learn how reframing regret, embracing self-compassion, and being flexible in our thinking can help us bloom in even the toughest seasons.

Here are just a few heart taps from this episode:

The quality of your thoughts determines the quality of your life. Period.
Regret can keep us trapped in the past—but it can also reveal what matters most to us.
Journaling isn’t just for venting—it’s a tool for reflection, reframing, and healing.
We confuse thoughts and feelings all the time, and that confusion can keep us stuck.
Positive reframing doesn’t erase the past—it gives it a new, empowering narrative.

If your mental garden feels overgrown with stress, perfectionism, or self-doubt, this episode is your invitation to start weeding with love, one thought at a time.

Connect with Judith Belmont:

With over 40 years of experience in the mental health field, Judith Belmont is a leading voice in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She’s the author of 11 books, including her newest release, 110 CBT Tips and Tools, packed with actionable strategies for managing anxiety and depression. Judith shares how blending breathwork with cognitive techniques can offer powerful new pathways to intentional living, perfectly aligning with the heart of The Well-Tended Life.

Learn More About Judith HERE: www.belmontwellness.com

Order her book here:

110 CBT TIPS and Tools: Proven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies for Working Through Anxiety, Depression, Perfectionism, Anger, Regret, Stress, and More (TIPS for the Therapeutic Toolbox): Judith A. Belmont: 9781683737933: Amazon.com: Books

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 75: The Key to Real Connection with Amy Daughters

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with Amy Daughters—speaker, author, and champion of handwritten letters—for a joyful and soul-stirring conversation about the power of intentional connection.

What started as a spontaneous letter to a childhood camp friend turned into a life-changing ripple of reconnection, purpose, and unexpected friendship. Amy shares how leaning into a gut feeling led her down a path of writing 580 letters to 580 people—and how this simple, analog practice opened up a whole new way of living and loving.

Together, we dig into the magic of slowing down, putting pen to paper, and saying yes to the things that matter. This episode is a love letter to anyone craving more real connection in a digital world.

Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Writing a letter isn’t just a gift for the recipient—it’s a healing practice for the writer too.

2️⃣ Don’t ignore those nudges. Even the wildest ideas can lead to something beautiful if you’re brave enough to follow them.

3️⃣ Camp friendships don’t have to stay in the past. Deep, lasting connections can flourish at any age when we make space for them.

4️⃣ You don’t have to say yes to everything. Choose your projects—and your people—with intention.

So grab your favorite stationery and hit play—you’re about to be reminded just how powerful one heartfelt letter (and one small act of courage) can be.

Connect with Amy Daughters

Website:

Amy Weinland Daughters, Author and Keynote Speaker | Dear Dana book

Amy Daughter's Books:

BOOKS | Amy W Daughters

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 74: Weeding Out Fear & Growing Confidence with Stephanie Cyr

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Tending to your own strength is just as important as tending to others.

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with self-defense expert Stephanie Cyr for a powerful conversation about cultivating strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Stephanie doesn’t just teach self-defense moves—she equips us with tools to stand firm, set boundaries, and uproot fear. Because just like a thriving garden needs protection from weeds and storms, you need boundaries and resilience to flourish.

This episode is packed with practical strategies that go far beyond physical techniques. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence, strengthen your mindset, or simply feel more secure in your daily life, Stephanie’s wisdom will inspire you to step into your power.

Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mindset. Learning to trust yourself and set firm boundaries is key to feeling safe and empowered.

2️⃣ Your intuition is your greatest ally. Pay attention to those inner nudges—they’re often your first line of defense.

3️⃣ Confidence is contagious. When you show up with courage, others feel it too.

4️⃣ Self-defense is about more than just protecting yourself—it’s about believing you’re worth protecting.

💪 So grab your life-gardening gloves and get ready to tend to your inner strength. Hit play now—you won’t want to miss this empowering conversation!

⭐️ Connect with Stephanie Here: https://powerupmoves.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 73: Tending to Love & Loss: A Bru-tiful Journey with Katie Prentiss

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This episode is a reminder: tending to others is sacred work—but so is tending to yourself. 🌿✨

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and former full-time caregiver, to talk about the hard, heart-stretching, and unexpectedly transformative journey of caregiving.

Katie shares her deeply personal experience of caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, while simultaneously raising young children and navigating the complexities of her own future health risks. We dive into the raw realities of balancing personal growth with the selfless act of tending to another, how grief and resilience intertwine, and the unexpected gifts found in this challenging season.

Katie also introduces her upcoming feature film, Wake Up, Maggie—a project born from her own story—and how you can be part of bringing it to life.

Here are just a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Caregiving puts us into survival mode—even when we choose it. It’s normal to feel resentful, lost, or like you have nothing to show for it. But this unwinding grief is part of the journey.

2️⃣ Caregiving is the ultimate “bru-tiful” experience—both brutal and beautiful. Be compassionate with yourself. It may be one of the hardest walks you ever take.

3️⃣ Stay grateful, even in the storm. Not everyone gets the honor of walking a loved one home. Let it break your heart wide open.

4️⃣ Look for small joys and small ways to tend to yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup—nourish your body, mind, and heart for the road ahead.

5️⃣ Love lingers beyond the goodbye. Even when the caregiving journey ends, the love remains, woven into your life in ways you never expected.

Have you ever felt the weight of caregiving—both the burden and the beauty of it?

💛 Take a deep breath, grab a cozy spot, and hit play. This conversation is for every caregiver, past, present, present, and future.

Connect with Katie Prentiss here to:

🎬 Learn about her feature film, Wake Up, Maggie

📸 Follow Katie’s creative journey

🎭 Watch her award-winning short film, Front Porches

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 72: The Power of One Conscious Breath: A Conversation with Michael Wood

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0600

Have you ever stopped to notice your breath? I mean really notice it?

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life, I sit down with author Michael Wood, a breath worker, teacher of presence, and spiritual companion who shares the incredible wisdom hidden in something we do every single day: breathing.

Michael reveals how shifting from reaction to response, tuning into the power of a single breath, and truly being present can transform our lives. He even shares how working with nonverbal autistic children deepened his understanding of connection, presence, and the electromagnetic energy of the heart.

Here are just a few heart taps from this episode:

Wisdom isn’t just in our head, it’s in our hearts and bodies, too. Are you listening?
We’re often tuned into others breath, but are we paying attention to our own
Conscious breathing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can change everything.
The energy of our heart is 5,000 times more powerful than our head. So, what if we led with that instead?
A calm, conscious breath can shift a situation, offering peace, support, and connection.

Take a deep breath in and hit play. This conversation might just change the way you move through the world.

BUY HIS BOOK “ONE CONSCIOUS BREATH” HERE: https://a.co/d/1dGTMgo

Follow Him on Instagram HERE: @justoneconciousbreath

Learn More About Him HERE: pilgrimbreath.org

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 71: Exploring the Pathways to Change with Lisa DeAngelis

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, your host Keri Wilt sits down with holistic change practitioner and author, Lisa DeAngelis, to explore the art of navigating life’s inevitable shifts with intention, self-awareness, and grace.

Change can feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even paralyzing, but Lisa shares powerful insights and holistic practices—including the Alexander Technique—to help us move through transitions with less resistance and more resilience.

Together, we unpack:

🌱 The stretch zone—that space where fear meets desire and true growth happens.

🌿 Why compassion and patience are essential when stepping into change.

🍃 The role of self-awareness in shaping how we respond to life’s storms.

🌷 How tending to small shifts daily can lead to lasting transformation.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will help you shift your mindset, trust the process, and step into your next season with confidence.

💛 Take a deep breath, lean in, and hit play. Growth is calling.

HEART TAPS FROM THIS EPISODE

1️⃣ Where is your stretch zone? That sweet spot where fear and desire intersect—the place that brings you closer to the life you want without pushing you to the breaking point.

2️⃣ Approach the stretch zone with compassion. The goal isn’t to tangle yourself in overwhelm, burnout, or panic—it’s about small, sustainable steps forward.

3️⃣ Tending to your thoughts and actions is a personal responsibility. You may not get to choose the storms you face, but you do get to decide how you weather them.

4️⃣ You have more power than you think. Once you raise your awareness, you can begin to reap the harvest of what you’ve sown—it just takes a little tender, loving care.

🎧 Listen now and start cultivating change in a way that feels intentional, supported, and well-tended.

Connect with Lisa DeAngelis:
Lisa's Book - Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 70: Shift Out of Autopilot and Into Empowerment with Lana Sheppard

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

In this powerful episode of The Well-Tended Life, host Keri Wilt converses with special guest Lana Sheppard, a self-development entrepreneur who shares her journey from hitting walls to igniting her dreams. They discuss the transformative power of mindset, the pivotal moments that reshaped Lana's life, and the essential 'give-ups' necessary for both personal and entrepreneurial growth.

****HEART TAPS FROM THIS EPISODE****

1. Lana’s journey from being a workaholic to finding balance and joy through self-development highlights the profound impact of investing in oneself. She took years and years to work on her inner light to be able to shine it on others. And you too can cultivate the life of your dreams.

2. The touching story of Lana's father urging her to reconnect with her passions and music underscores the lasting influence of parental advice. Not only has she found peace pursuing music, but she's also found peace connecting with her roots in her father's childhood vacation spot.

3. Speaking of parental advice, did you catch that gem Lana's father gave her?
"Worrying is like paying interest on a debt you do not owe". Free yourself from thinking you owe solutions to the problems of others. And pass the gift of letting go to others.

4. Whether it's family, friends, or professional mentors, in overcoming life's challenges we can always lean on those in our tribe to uplift and propel us forward.

5. The focus on financial literacy and empowerment for women serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of education and independence. When we talk about our money are we using limiting language we've learned? Can we find new words and ways of framing our money talk to feel more empowered? What is our money story? What was our relationship with money growing up? How can we cut the ties to those stories to have a healthier relationship with money-making?

Connect with Lana Sheppard:
Home - Give Up Book
(18) Lana Sheppard | LinkedIn

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 69: The Secret Garden Keys to Unlocking Your Imagination with Biographer and Author Angelica Carpenter

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600

It's up to you to create flowers out of the weeds of your life! Like FHB, we have the ability to use our imagination to see our lives as flourishing garden of possibility and wonder.
Imagination is the spice of life and needs to be well-tended beyond our youth to be able to flourish.
Everybody needs a Secret Garden in their life, a place those offers respite and safety from the harshness of life.
Legacy is the love and joy we put into the world that transcends our time here. It forges connections beyond our wildest hopes and dreams.
When you find a thing you love, like The Secret Garden, pass it along! Joy is best enjoyed when it's shared.
And lastly, I'm so grateful to people like Angelica Carpenter whose biography work help preserve the legacy of my great-great grandmother's books as some of the most beloved in the world.

Join me (Keri Wilt) on the Well-Tended Life as I sit down with Angelica Carpenter, a biographer of my great great grandmother Frances Hodgson Burnett, for an enriching conversation. We talk about the legacy of Frances Hodgson Burnett, explore the powerful role of imagination, humor and joy in her work, and discuss Angelica's new children's book. Listen in for heartwarming stories, insights on cultivating imagination, and more!

CHECK OUT HER NEW BOOK: The Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett. Secret gardens, hidden gates, flowering passageways. A picture book biography of Frances Hodgson Burnett's winding and captivating life.

Frances Hodgson Burnett―best known for writing The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and The Little Princess―had a difficult childhood, losing her father when she was very young and moving with her family from England to Tennessee in hopes of a better life.

She’d been making up stories her entire life but didn’t try to write professionally until she was a teenager to help feed her family. Her first submissions to a magazine were published and she eventually became well known all over the world.

This is Hodgson Burnett’s life story, told in lyrical prose evoking some of the same magic of her own stories.

THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY CHILD AT HEART THIS CHRISTMAS! And check out the fun letter from me in the back of each copy.

Angela Carpenter Bio:
Working with Keri Wilt and her mother Penny Deupree, Angelica Shirley Carpenter has published three books about Frances Hodgson Burnett. The first, written with her mother Jean Shirley, is a middle-grade biography, Frances Hodgson Burnett: Beyond the Secret Garden (Lerner, 1990). In 2002 Angelica hosted the first-ever conference about Burnett which resulted in an anthology, In the Garden: Essays in Honor of Frances Hodgson Burnett (Scarecrow, 2006). Her picture book, The Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett was illustrated by Spanish artist Helena Pérez Garcia (Bushel & Peck, 2024).

Her other books include biographies of L. Frank Baum, Lewis Carroll, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Matilda Joslyn Gage. In 2025 Lerner will publish her young adult biography Arm in Arm: The Grimké Sisters' Fight for Abolition and Women's Rights.

Angelica was the founding curator for the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children's Books at California State University, Fresno. She is also a past president of the International Wizard of Oz Club. She lives in Fresno.

Connect with Angela Carpenter:

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 68: Living A Bold Life and Unleashing Your Potential with Leigh Burgess

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Confidence comes actually with each step you take as you figure it out. It's about showing up and putting forth your best effort. Anticipate some bumps along the road. You will grow through the discomfort and new experienced of stepping into your most BOLD life.
You can't help other people if you've got nothing left in the tank and you shouldn't push yourself to try. Prioritize your health and step away from the burn out cycle by putting your mental and physical health in the front seat.
Belief audit - Assess your beliefs... Are they helping us? Are they harming us? Are they holding us back?
Everyone has a mess of some sort. It's perfectly normal and it's totally okay to own the imperfections of your life's journey.

THE GUEST:
Leigh Burgess is a thought leader, game-changer and powerhouse connector determined to ignite and support the bold journeys of others. After over twenty years in healthcare, she founded Bold Industries Group, a platform for uniting, inspiring and empowering women that brings together a unique global network via her Bold events, the Bold Leaders Collective membership, The Bold Lounge podcast and through her dynamic speaking, coaching, and consulting engagements. With a focus on the intersection of mindset, strategy and wellness, her Believe-Own-Learn-Design (B.O.L.D.) Framework is your map to the bold life. Leigh’s forthcoming book, Be Bold Today: Unleash Your Potential, Master Your Mindset, and Achieve Success, which is all about how to apply the framework to your own life, will be distributed by Simon & Schuster in November 2024.

Website: https://leighburgess.com/

Pre-Order Her Book, Be BOLD Today: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Be-BOLD-Today/Leigh-Burgess/9781685552435

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighburgess23/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleighaburgess

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldindustriesgroup

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 67: Cultivating Strength: Morgan Kline on Growth, Fitness, and Well-Being

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Your mind goes where your body leads, and not the other way around. Regular movement and exercise are essential for mental and physical well-being.
To overcome habitual negative thoughts and behaviors, identify your belief system and make sure it aligns with your true self, not societal expectations. Avoid letting negative self-talk hold you back.
Just Show Up! Even on tough days, showing up is crucial even if you show up at 50%
Embrace curiosity by asking smart questions. When faced with uncertainty, don't hesitate to ask experts what questions you should be asking. This opens doors to new learning and understanding. Nobody knows it all.
Place value on community and connection. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who support your growth. This will not only help you in your fitness journey but also in other areas of life!

THE GUEST:
Morgan Kline started Burn Bootcamp with her husband and high school sweetheart, Devan Kline. From parking lot work out training, to over 400 boutique gym locations they are changing the lives of women across the country.

Morgan lives in North Carolina with her husband Devin and their three children.

Purchase 'Burn' book by Morgan A. Kline and Devan Kline

http://BurnBootCamp.com

http://Instagram.com/Morgan.A.Kline

https://www.linkedin.com/company/burn-boot-camp

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 66: Cultivating Happy Spaces & Places with Vicki and Brooke of Sister Golden

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Why Listen? In my journal practice, I write down what I call “heart taps”, which are the things that speak directly to my heart. Here are a few of the heart tap moments that I wrote down from this interview with VICKI & BROOKE RAWLINS:

****HEART TAPS FROM THIS EPISODE****
• It's important to create spaces that bring you joy and reflect your personal style. Take the time to find unique pieces that resonate with you rather than rushing to fill the space. The process is as rewarding as the final result!
• Exploring different creative outlets, even unconventional ones, can be incredibly fulfilling and may lead you to unexpected paths of personal growth and innovation. Take the time to tap into your unique creative outlet.
• Balancing work and personal life is essential for mental and physical well-being. Recognize when you need to take a step back, reassess, and make adjustments to ensure a healthy alignment. Be kind to yourself and know there is no such thing as a perfect balance.

Who you surround yourself with in business, love and community matters deeply! Build a community of mutual love, respect and support and the quality of your living will increase exponentially.

THE GUEST:
Vickie and Brooke Rawlins began in 2014 as an online-based shop headquartered in sunny San Diego, CA. Two short years later we planted roots as a brick and mortar store in beautiful Door County, WI. Vicki (or ‘V’ as everyone calls her) is the artist behind our unique flower art made completely from Mother Nature. While V creates her art, Brooke manages most other aspects of the business, and we have a lot of help from talented people in between! Fun fact: the name Sister Golden comes from the America song Sister Golden Hair. The title of that song was the inspiration behind a nickname Brooke’s dad gave her when she was little, and the name just stuck.

Website: www.SisterGolden.com

Instagram: @SisterGoldenShop

Book: The Power of Flowers Book – Sister Golden

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 65: This is YOUR Season

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Why listen?
Friend, you are the master gardener of your life and it’s time to Cultivate U. This is YOUR season to water YOUR dreams, to unearth YOUR gifts, and finally tend to YOUR relationships, weeds, and needs.

In my journal practice, I write down what I call “heart taps”, which are the things that speak directly to my heart. Here are a few of the heart tap moments that I wrote down from today’s episode: ❤️
1. You can’t pour from an empty watering can.
2. You only have this one garden of a life, so grow something big and beautiful!
3. Choose to live out this next season with more intention and fewer weeds.
4. Magic happens when women work along side each other.
5. You are worth it. You have been investing in everyone and everything else all of these years. It’s your turn. Invest in you.

Click on the green link to learn more about the next session of CULTIVATE U: A Life-Tending Masterclass and group experience. Registration is Open! So don’t delay… invest in your growth today!

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 64: Mastering the Art of Noticing with Mary Jo Hoffman

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Sometime we just stumble into our purpose when we are just open to trying something new.
Find projects that fit into your life or season to reduce the resistance.
New word #1: chunkable. Consider picking projects that can be or chunked into little bits of time (5 minutes or less) throughout the day vs needing a large block of time.
One conversation can change the trajectory or your life and theirs.
Pick a project that you believe you can sustain and be excited about and that fits into your already established routines .
New word #2: placefulness…which means being aware of where you are.

HER NEW BOOK:
Her book, STILL: The Art of Noticing (May 2024), features 275 of the most stunning photographs the author-artist has accumulated over thousands of consecutive days of daily shooting accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt, and oftentimes humorous essays illuminating the insights gained through this daily creative practice.

THE GUEST:
Mary Jo Hoffman is an artist and photographer, renowned for her unique and personal engagement with the natural world around her. Best known for her multi-year, ongoing project, "STILL” where every day (every single day) for over a decade, Mary Jo Hoffman has made a photograph of found nature – no subject too small or too ordinary. For Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer, this daily ritual cracked open profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life.

Hoffman lives in Shoreview, Minnesota, on Turtle Lake, with her husband, Steve, a food writer and author, and her indulged puggle, Jack, with whom she takes walks as often as possible, on the hunt for that day's STILL subject.

www.stillblog.net

https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/

https://www.pinterest.com/maryjohoffman

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 63: Are You: Blooming, Budding, Stunted, or in Need of Renewal?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

We are not here to see through each other, but are here to see others through.
Purpose can be found at the crossroads of the things we learn and our innate skills.
This a great question to ask that he said during the interview: “What’s getting in the way?”
Work life balance and Employee engagement are not what we think they are anymore.
Reality: No one can be in bloom, all of the time.
You can have growth, even in the darkest of seasons.
Which of work-life-bloom personas are you right now? blooming, budding, stunted, or renewal.
Loneliness is an epidemic.
Reminder: All seasons are just a moment in time.
40% of the time you will be blooming. 60% you won’t. What you decide to do during the 60% is important.

GUEST BIO:
Dan Pontefract is a renowned leadership strategist, award-winning author, and keynote speaker with over two decades of experience helping organizations and leaders improve performance, productivity, and overall engagement.

He has presented at four TED events and earned multiple industry awards including Thinkers50 Radar, HR Weekly’s 100 Most Influential People in HR, PeopleHum’s Top 200 Thought Leaders to Follow, and Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers. Dan has written five best-selling books and he also writes for Forbes and Harvard Business Review.

HIS BOOK: WORK-LIFE BLOOM

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 62: YOU CAN Bloom & Grow Again…EVEN IF

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

NOTE: Some things bear repeating…especially this message:
“Despite how you feel about the Current State of Your Life-Garden…there is HOPE.”

LISTEN IN AGAIN TO THIS POPULAR PODCAST AND THEN….

Let’s activate the hope inside you. So while you are riding high and beginning to believe in better things, I want you to make a quick list of 10 things that you want to someday grow, do, be, have, enjoy, produce, accomplish and more.

Write down big things, little things, personal things, dreamy things, relationship things, faith things, future things, healing things, happy things, work things, leisure things, and even slightly crazy things. Write each of them in this form below or get out your journal for more room.

I_____________________________________________(insert your name here), HOPE and expect with confidence that if I tend to my life, I can and will:

______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(Examples: make good choices with my food, open my own business, learn to play guitar, heal completely from the trauma of my past, grow in my faith, go back to school, paint again, love again, be a positive influence on those around me….the sky’s the limit)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CULTIVATE U
JOIN ME for this 6-WEEK GROUP EXPERIENCE/MASTERCLASS, April 3-May 8, that includes weekly life-garden coaching sessions, guided visualizations, in-depth workbook exercises, journal prompts, accountability, on-demand replays, bonus tools, and so much more.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 61: It’s Time to Cultivate U

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Why listen?
Friend, you are the master gardener of your life and it’s time to Cultivate U. This is YOUR season to water YOUR dreams, to unearth YOUR gifts, and finally tend to YOUR relationships, weeds, and needs.

In my journal practice, I write down what I call “heart taps”, which are the things that speak directly to my heart. Here are a few of the heart tap moments that I wrote down from today’s episode: ❤️
1. You can’t pour from an empty watering can.
2. You only have this one garden of a life, so grow something big and beautiful!
3. Choose to live out this next season with more intention and fewer weeds.
4. Magic happens when women work along side each other.
5. You are worth it. You have been investing in everyone and everything else all of these years. It’s your turn. Invest in you.

Click on the green link to learn more about the Spring Session of CULTIVATE U: A Life-Tending Masterclass and group experience. Registration is Open from March 13-April 2nd, but space is limited. So don’t delay… invest in your growth today!

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 60: A Love Language That Can Feed Your Soul with Stacy Lynn Harris

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0600

When we share food with other people: we are really sharing our souls.
Everyone can grow something where they are.
Get away and try to get quiet everyday.
Pull weeds daily so they don’t get overwhelming.
Purge the things that aren’t working for you in this season.
You have to really work on not getting burned out.
Place importance on the really important things: people.
Just show up!
You have to live in balance. Some good food and some good for you food. 90/10 rule.
Life lesson: we cannot control other people and what they decide to do.

Well-Tended U:
Are you interest in learning more about what is being offered soon that can help you to bloom and grow through any season? CLICK HERE

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Southern lifestyle guru, television host, celebrity chef, best-selling author and speaker Stacy Lyn Harris wants her readers to pull up a chair, hear some funny and poignant stories, and incorporate her unfussy, delicious recipes into their special occasions and daily life. After all, like the title of her new cookbook states, food is the "Love Language of the South."

"I don't go to my home and kitchen expecting perfection," Harris writes in "Love Language of the South." "It's simply the place I go to return to what matters most: my family, my faith, and spending my days at home in the South. Time I spend cooking is time spent loving. And that's why I call it my love language."

In addition to being a best-selling author of three books and host of "The Sporting Chef" on The Outdoor Channel, Harris is also the founder of the popular Stacy Lyn Harris blog. The Alabama native and mother of seven has grown a following with her simple approach to sourcing and preparing meals – often including ingredients from her garden.

Her philosophy goes back to her childhood and lessons her grandmother and mother reinforced about food and connecting with people.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 59: Make, Have & Be More—Without More Work with Amy Kemp

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Stop waiting for a full on download to chase your next thing.
Transitions have a lot to teach us if we will just sit still long enough to learn.
Busy is such a safe place to hide. 🙈 (I resemble this remark)
Don’t get stuck in the wheel of: “I have to, I need to, I should.”
Take a good hard look at your boundaries and walls.
One of the best things we can do is to make time for play on your calendar. Schedule it!
What if our number one job it’s just to stay open and connected to God/source?
We tend to make what we believe we are worth.
Never apologize for or feel the need to apologize for investing in yourself. You are worth it!

ABOUT THE GUEST: Amy helps leaders and business professionals understand how deeply thought habits impact every part of our work and lives.

As a certified Habit Finder coach, Amy has led over 300 female business leaders through a four-month leadership development engagement called Encounter that is designed to replace unhealthy thought habits with more healthy ones. She has also worked through the Habit Finder curriculum with hundreds of leaders in one-on-one settings and with leadership teams at small and large companies.

HER NEW BOOK:
I See You: A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More—Without More Work
Are you giving your all every day only to be left feeling like you’re falling short at work and at home? Are you committed to growing your influence, impact, and income but unsure how to achieve more without sacrificing yourself in the process? CEO and business coach Amy Kemp has been there. She knows what it’s like to want more professionally while simultaneously feeling like there is no more time or energy left to give. And she has answers.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 58: A Good Ole Sprinkling of Fairy Dust & Garden Grounding

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Kindness is easy to do.
Reading can be a great coping skill.
If you are suffering with depression, try doing some simple acts of kindness, because it can literally change your brain chemistry.
A garden is a great place to keep you grounded.
The hope, resilience, challenges, joy and abundance I feel when I step into my garden is my “secret sauce”.
We all have a roll to play.
Look for the magical moments after someone has passed.
You have permission to slow down.
If you are going start a garden, begin with herbs, lettuce, or radishes.
Love her motto: Grow more in 2024!

THE GUEST:
Sara Rubens used to describes herself as a wife, mom, career women….but in 2021 she decided to pivot and now simply describes herself as a Garden Coach that teaches people what it means to live a “Gardenary-Life”.
https://www.seedtosanctuary.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 57: Maybe You Can with Debbie Weiss

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Mindset is key.
Comparison will ruin us.
Start with a small goal and then add when you’ve mastered the first.
All good growth comes on the other side of fear.
Address your limiting belief, know what they are, where they come from and the challenge them.
Look for proof, that your limiting belief is NOT true.
We are typically afraid of things that make us feel uncomfortable.
Event, plus response, equals outcome.
Make a “maybe I can” list and be open to trying new things.

THE BOOK: On Second Thought, Maybe I Can

THE GUEST:
Debbie is a seasoned life strategist with over five decades of experience, has faced some of life's most daunting challenges head-on and emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.

A tenacious entrepreneur, Debbie manages both a thriving insurance agency and her charming online store, "A Sprinkle of Hearts." As the host of the "Maybe I Can" podcast and an inspirational speaker, she generously shares her wisdom and insights on overcoming limiting beliefs and fears. As a dedicated family caregiver and mother, Debbie's resilience shines through in every aspect of her life.

Driven by her passion for helping others live their best lives, Debbie delights in laughter, dancing, reading, and staying active during her leisure time. Her unwavering spirit and infectious enthusiasm inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.

FIND HER HER

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 56: Getting to the Root of Clutter with Andrew Mellen

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Make sure to pause long enough to hear the whisper of your heart, which will tell you what is next.
Three rules to getting and staying organized: 1: One home for everything 2: Like with like 3: Something in something out.
The average adult tells 200 lies a day. Like: l’ll do this later.
Clutter is nothing more than deferred decisions.
Average person will waste a year of their life looking for lost items.
Time is a non renewable resource.
Clutter is the symptom not the problem.
There are 8 deadly time thieves: Interruptions, Overcommitting, Poor planning, Multitasking, Meetings, Email, Social media, and Procrastination

THE GUEST:

Andrew Mellen
‍“The Most Organized Man in America”

Andrew is not your ordinary organization guru—he’s been a professional organizer and coach since 1996.
‍
‍With over two decades of experience, he has transformed over 500,000 lives with his unique brand of clarity, simplicity, and serenity.

His expertise in organizing photos has earned him accolades from clients worldwide, and now, he's sharing his knowledge exclusively with you.

He is the best-selling author of three books: Calling Bullsh*t on Busy, Unstuff Your Life!, and The Most Organized Man in America’s Guide to Moving.

FIND HIM HERE

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 55 : How To Become An Outside Human with Amy Bushatz

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

20 minutes isn’t that long.
There are no rules about what you are doing out there, you just need to take the time to go outside.
Being outside helps you to better manage the unpredictable life inside.
Push through the barriers of discomfort to find the good on the other side.
Use your tools to get through the discomfort: jacket, rain gear, time management, etc.
It’s in pushing past the perceived and many times temporary discomfort that you grow.
You get over the mental discomfort by doing it over and over again.
Going outside actually increases your curiosity.
Reminder: Growth happens over time.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Amy Bushatz is the host and producer of the Humans Outside podcast. Based in Palmer, Alaska, Amy has built a lifestyle around spending time in nature every day, no matter the weather, and encourages listeners to do the same. Amy works full time in local journalism, enjoys ultra running across her local mountains in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter and plotting new outdoor adventures.

THE HUMANS OUTSIDE CHALLENGE

How would your life change if you spent time outside every day for a year? Register for the Humans Outside Challenge and find the help, motivation and accountability to give it a try.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 54: How to Choose YOUR Word of the Year

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Do you choose a word of the year? I have done this practice off and on over the years, and this year I am back ON IT!

In today’s episode, I share how I go about choosing a word…so be sure to check it out.

In the meantime, here are a few words from “The Secret Garden” that might be just the right seed for your growth for 2024: TEND, PLAY, PRACTICE, HOPE, FEARLESS, ASK, WILD, and WEED.

Read through them for inspiration and if any give you what I call a “heart tap”…try it on. (More on that in the podcast)

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 53: HOW TO CHANNEL JOY AMIDST THE CHAOS WITH BRETT LARKIN

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Yoga is not just a thing we do, but a space we inhabit mentally.
Yoga is also the science of energy management.
We are not the voices in our head.
You can do “yoga” off the mat with things like breath-work and so much more.
Do “yoga” in the in-between moments.
If you can only choose one thing: breathwork or yoga…choose breath-work…it’s that important.
Your breath is the thermostat for your nervous system.
Your breath and emotions are in a reciprocal relationship.

MEET THE GUEST:
Brett Larkin, a distinguished yoga teacher trainer, healer, founder of Uplifted Yoga®, and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to guiding individuals on their personal transformation journey through the practice of yoga. In her NEW book, Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos , Brett shares her unique insights on crafting your most potent and individualized yoga ritual – even if you’re time-stressed, anxious, or coping with chronic issues.

While the benefits of yoga have been proven time and time again, Brett’s revolutionary new book empowers readers to capitalize on yoga’s original principals to create a more personal and adaptable daily practice while “living their yoga” off the mat. Yoga Life readers will craft their own yoga style, meet the “soulmate poses” that complement their personality, enjoy quizzes, posture and breathwork tutorials and 30 exclusive companion videos. Whether you are a beginner or a life-long practitioner, Yoga Life’s custom-tailored approach will make your practice twice as potent – in half the time.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 52: How To Get Out Of Your Head with Kristy Mandour

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

It’s time that we look at ourselves from a new vantage point and notice exactly what value we bringing to the table.
You have to work on your side of the street, before you try and help anyone else.
Rumination and reflection are two very different things. Which are you doing the most of?
To Shift from rumination to reflections: notice the thought, then decided what you want to KEEP, CHANGE, or LEAVE from it.
When we try to leave “living in our heads”, many times we feel unsafe and that triggers a cortisol release.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, is highly addictive.
Your mind is your home, so make it a place that you want to be in.
Just because you are choosing to be kind, doesn’t mean you are choosing to be complacent.
A self-compassionate thought is something that you would say to someone you love, if they were going through a similar situation as you.
So, If you can’t say a self-compassionate thought to yourself, pretend you are talking to a good friend. Tell yourself what you would tell them.
Others can hear our inner critic.

ABOUT THE GUEST: IN HER WORDS
I’m Krissy Mandour, the brains behind Sow to Speak, and I’m thrilled you’ve landed here!

My mission is simple: to keep your heart front and center in all areas of life. Whether I’m coaching, speaking, or writing, I’m driven by the desire to help high-achieving humans like you switch off your overthinking and tune into your inner voice, instead of your inner critic.

My methods? Simple yet effective! I teach you how to shift your focus from endless rumination to productive reflection. I’ll help you reconnect with yourself so that you can confidently connect with others. By working with me, you’ll quiet down your self-doubt and turn up the work that truly sparks joy.

As a certified ICF coach, I combine my years of research and practice within personal and professional development with my education from my graduate work at Emerson College, the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, The Stella Adler Studio of Acting (NYC), and The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre (NYC) to bring you practical (and fun!) tools that you can mix and match to support you whenever you need them most. It doesn’t just take a village to raise a child; it takes a village to raise a human. We were never meant to go at it alone; let’s do it together.

FIND HER @ https://sowtospeak.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 51: Cultivating Your Legacy with Merle Saferstein

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0600

One of the biggest gifts is a face to face conversation.
What questions do you need to ask yourself before you enter this next season?
Who you are is NOT WHAT YOU DO!
How you live your life becomes your legacy.
You legacy is less about the stuff you leave behind.
When you look back in your journals, you notice patterns and themes.
Journaling allows you the time and space to take the negatives and turn them into positives.
When you put things on paper, it give those thoughts a home when they can be dealt with.
Journaling is a gift to ourselves.
Consider creating an ethical Will or a starting a Legacy Journal today.
If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of others.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Merle R. Saferstein is an educator, speaker, author, and a pioneer in the field of legacy journaling. She has been journaling for 48 years and has amassed a collection of 380 journals, the majority of which are the basis for her legacy journal Living and Leaving My Legacy Vols. 1 & 2. After twenty-six years as a Holocaust educator where she worked with hundreds of Holocaust survivors helping them to leave their legacy, she retired and created Living and Leaving Your Legacy®. Through classes, workshops, and lectures, she has guided thousands of people in sacred legacy work, writing for wellness, and journaling. Her short story collection, Room 732, pays homage to the historic Hollywood Beach Hotel. Merle lives in Miami, Florida with her husband of fifty-six years and has two children and two grandchildren.

https://merlersaferstein.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 50: How to Cultivate True Happiness with Jessica Weiss

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

We can actually grow our happiness via our friendships/relationships, enthusiasm/engagement and work.
The quality and diversity of our friendships is the number one predictor of happiness.
The best way to cultivating friendships is with repeated exposure to the same people.
There is a lifecycle to friendships. About every 7 years they will change.
We are not hard wired for happiness, it’s something we have to cultivate.
More things and money will never bring you true lasting happiness.
There is a sweet spot for the amount of free time that makes us happy: 2-5 hours. More than that is actually detrimental to your happiness.
Happiness requires real effort to reap the rewards.
Building in a sense of progress into your day will help boost happiness in your workplace.
Blocking out time everyday to work towards something that is meaningful and important to you…will boost your happiness too.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Jessica has spent the last 15 years doing endless research, speaking to thousands of people, all about happiness.

Jessica Weiss is a speaker and consultant who teaches businesses how to find more happiness, fulfillment, and satisfaction at work. With 15 years of experience working with global brands like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and American Express, Jessica is a trusted source for those who are searching for tangible, research-based strategies to create happier workers.

Jessica Weiss is a TEDx speaker and organizational leadership expert who uses her humor and "tell-it-like-it-is" style to teach companies across the country why work can and should be a source of happiness, and how to create spaces where people love to work.

Jessica is an expert in leadership, culture and organizational development who understands what it really takes to unlock engagement. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and has an MBA from Columbia University.

FIND HER @
https://www.jessicaweiss.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 49: Discover Your Magic: Inside & Out with Donna Dimino

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Our bodies are nature.
And nature and our bodies are communicating with us all the time. Are you listening?
We need to feel and sense things more than we are over-thinking things.
Ask yourself daily, what truly feels good?
The divine technology of our bodies is truly amazing. Think about it.
Our body gets such a bad rap, it is blamed over and over for us not feeling well.
Yet our bodies never give up on trying to help us heal, support and sustain us.
Wake up your fingers and toes before you even get out of bed, to awaken and reconnect to your body.
Ask yourself and your body each day: what do you need from me today?
Ask yourself when you are ill, what is my part in this?
Allow yourself to “not know” what the next step is and be ok with that.
The rose has the highest frequency of anything tangible in this earth, closest to love.
We have everything we need within us and in nature to heal, be who we truly are, and to be a force of goodness on this earth, while we are here.

SONG MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

The Earls: I Believe. https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-believe/419477321?i=419477332

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Hi I’m Donna Dimino. I’m on a mission to help people become curious about their body’s true purpose, by learning how to re-balance and move with ease through postural alignment listen to the body’s silent language, like you do with pets, baby’s and plants, and how to tend to and recognize your soul’s guidance through the messages the body gives us.

I do this through nourishing movement, energy awareness, intuitive guidance & joyful creative practices that bring you…back to you!

My work draws from my training and study in Dance, Postural Alignment, Energy Movement, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, Spirituality, Embodied Mysticism, Sound Healing, Empowerment Coaching, Body Centered Meditation, Essential Oils & my greatest teachers, the Body & Nature.

'Living' Body Awareness
‘Movement that brings you back...to you!'
1:2:1 Sessions, Movement Classes, Workshops
http://www.livingbodyawareness.com
knowbodyawareness@yahoo.com

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 48: Secret Garden Secrets Revealed with Nina Veteto

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode with Nina Veteto of Blue Ridge Botanic. We chat about life and beauty, flora and fauna, and reveal the back stories behind some of the most important characters in The Secret Garden.

Here are a few Heart Taps from this episode:

Lean into the things that you always wanted to do, but never allowed yourself to do.
We are wired for stories…it’s how we connect.
The plants around us are incredible teachers.
Get Outside and Re-Connect to the plant world.
Make time for the thing that feeds your soul.
Each and every one of us is creative ny nature…so explore what that looks like for you.

ABOUT THE GUEST…in her own words:
I’m Nina! A long time forager, explorer, plant lover & art maker. I live in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of NC surrounded by the inspiration—and materials—I bring to my art. For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with the botanic world. Truth be told, I’m kind of plant-obsessed. I love growing plants & flowers, making art with them, and even using them for teas and healing.

At Blue Ridge Botanic, you’ll find information about flowers, folklore, foraging and more. Follow along, as I explore the special places and plants that inform my work and hopefully get some inspiration on how to connect to the botanic world in a more joyful, creative ways.

FOLLOW HER: @blueridgebontanic on Facebook and Instagram and on Substack at
https://floraandforage.substack.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 47: A PEEK BEHIND THE IVY PODCAST CURTAIN

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Have you ever wondered what happens after the show? You know, when the “business” of the podcast is done and it’s just me and the guest? Today’s episode is just that…an off the cuff chat with guest Melissa Bergstrom that took place as soon as we ended the formal podcast interview. Our chat was so good, in fact, that I just had to make into its own episode!

Note: This after-the-show episode stands on its own, but I am sure it will inspire you to go back and listen. If so, when you are done, just toggle back to Episode 46 where she and I chatted about 2 words that can fertilize growth, OCD, her trip to one of Frances’s homes…and so much more!

But In this After the Show conversation listen in as we chat about how we never really know how our words will impact others, some “Frances” questions, her recent experience with acupuncture, how we need to give things time to work before we judge it or give up, and so much more.

I know you will find so many seeds of well-tended wisdom throughout, so without further adieu…enjoy this AFTER the Show Chat with Melissa Bergstrom.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 46: Two Words That Can Fertilize Growth with Melissa Bergstrom

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why listen to this week’s podcast? Here are a few heart taps from this episode:

Try new things and just see what happens!
You are never going to be “ready” or good enough to do your thing…so just do it!!
There is so much power in these two little words: what if.
Learn to be ok with the mess.
Before starting a project: ask yourself…What am I feeling, what do I want to make, and what form I want it to take?
You have permission to be multi passionate.
OCD and anxiety can be a gift.
Loosen your grip of control and you can find peace.
Whatever “sunset” moment you are in, stand tall and be in it as it passes. Be a witness to the end.
Growth is in the repeating, so try again, do it again…take one more step.
You have to do your part to make the magic and growth happen.
You just never know how your words will impact someone.
Despite what has happened in your life…choose to still make something beautiful and let people in.

Bio: Melissa Lauricella Bergstrom is a Boston based actor, writer, teaching artist, and all-around creative soul. Melissa holds an MFA in Applied Theatre at Emerson College. She lives in Boston, MA with her husband and their sweet cat. When she's not making theatre or writing, she is reading, riding her bike, knitting, and practicing her beginner sewing skills (and wearing the resulting wonky blouses around town), she blogs regularly about sustainable creativity at www.theperpetualvisitor.com and can be found on Instagram at The Perpetual Visitor

Social Media Links / Books:
Instagram - The Perpetual Visitor
Website - Books, Teaching, Other Projects
Books - New Bird, Wild Unfolding, Like Gold, The Perpetual Visitor: A Field Guide for Everyday Artists

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 45: Mastering the Art of Becoming with Jim Owen

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I started this interview with Jim, who is 83 years young, thinking that we were going to be chatting mostly about health and aging. But it turned out to be a small masterclass in the art of becoming.

Here are just a few of the many heart taps I wrote down from this episode:

We each have a gift and we owe it to the world to discover it and share it.
We are all faced with challenges.
Having a disadvantage, can be an advantage.
Secret to his health success: “I dropped bad habits and picked up good ones.”
Fitness is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.
If fitness is the only goal you are reaching for…you are missing the big picture.
The key to a healthy garden is the hard work you put into it, but most people aren’t willing to put in the effort.
There is no secret short cut to get around the hard work.
1 hour is only 4% of your day.
Your best days, whatever your age, are still ahead of you, so choose to stop living in the past.
You can either give up on life or you can look at it as an adventure.
The time to take control of your health is now.
We are who we are because of our own personal struggles! Embrace them! Label them as good for your growth!

Y’all…The life lessons just streamed out of him!!

BIO: After an incredibly successful run as a Wall Street executive and the author of best-selling book Cowboy Ethics, Jim found a new passion in life when he turned 70. He realized statistically he may only have 15 years left in his life and wasn’t satisfied with that option.

Jim quickly worked to get in the best shape possible to ensure he had many more years left with his wife of over 50 years, Stanya. Since his fitness journey began, Jim has been working hard to share his wisdom and inspire other aging adults. He authored Just Move: A New Approach to Fitness After 50, produced the film The Art of Aging Well and now at 82 years young is finalizing the launch plans for his next documentary: The Art of Becoming a SuperAger.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 44: IT’S TIME TO QUESTION YOUR BUSY

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Today’s Episode was inspired by the quote below that I heard while meditating with the Calm app. (Ginny from episode 24 told me about how she uses the app in her classroom…go back and listen)

“And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling "This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!" And each day, it's up to you, to yank your hand back, put it on your heart and say "No. This is what's important.” - Ian S. Thomas

Listen in, as it might just be exactly what you (or someone else you know) needs to hear today.

Every Word You Cannot Say by Ian S. Thomas
Here is a Link to Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/3DUw3e6

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 43: HOW TO RECOGNIZE A NEW or SHIFTING SEASON

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Some life-seasons are longer, others are shorter, but ALL seasons are temporary.

In this episode I chat openly about:
- my own shifting season
-how to know when you are in a season shift
-how to recognize and name the season you are in
-how to use this knowledge to live your best well-tended life in any season

And remind us to:
-have grace with ourselves
-wade in and test the waters…before saying yes and overcommitting ourselves
in a new season.

Take a listen!

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 42: Harnessing the Power of Your “Different” with Dr. Gail Saltz

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Why listen? Here are just a few “heart taps” from this episode with psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, columnist, bestselling author, and television commentator Dr. Gail Saltz:

We all have VERY DIFFERENT BRAINS.
Close to 1/2 of all Americans, as some point in their life, will struggle with a mental illness, impairing your ability to function in life in various arena.
Addressed early, one can greatly alleviate the symptoms and suffering of mental illness.
The same wiring that can predispose one to mental illness also often comes along with a wiring potential for great strengths.
Stigma continues to keep many from being diagnosed and treated.
Mental health is health.
Many people who experience mental pain also feel physically pain.
If you are living with chronic pain, it can also cause depression by itself.
The brain changes over time depending on what environmentally is happening to it and what we are experiencing and processing.
Make sure you are getting help from a real mental health professional, not just from someone you follow on TikTok.
“Look for your strengths and play to it.”
Have deep and intimate conversations with those around you to develop deep connections and fight off loneliness.
Being able to play and have fun is an important part of life.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Dr. Gail Saltz, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of medicine and host of the “How Can I Help?” podcast.

FIND HER/FOLLOW HER
WEBSITE: https://drgailsaltz.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GailSaltz

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drgailsaltz/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DrGailSaltz

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 41: How to Activate Your RAS with Sian Hill

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why Listen? In my journal practice, I write down what I call “heart taps…which are the things that speak directly to my heart…and so here are the heart tap moments that I wrote down from this interview.

NLP helps to reprogram your unconscious thoughts and behaviors.
Willpower doesn’t work…unless you fix your subconscious!
95% of what we do is unconscious behavior.
Everyone interprets things differently and assigns their own it meaning to what happened.
Most of what we are dealing with today, was unconsciously programmed before 7 year old.
Your RAS is the Instagram algorithm for your mind.
We need to train our brains to work for us and to notice the opportunities not the opposite or obstacles.
If something isn’t working for you…experiment with this mindset work.
“Our thoughts impact the way we feel, and the way we feel impacts our physiology, our body changes when we feel different, and all of that impacts the behavior we carry out which leads to the results we get in life.”
Just change one thought today.
Have a toolbox of practices, so you can pull out what you need when you need it.
Give yourself permission to do that thing that lights you up!

Buy Her Book:
Activate Your RAS: The Art and Science of Creating Your Reality from the Inside Out
https://a.co/d/72POQVH

Guest Bio:
https://www.iamsianhill.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 40: How to Break Away from Overdoing with Celeste Headlee

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why listen? Here are just a few “heart taps” from this episode with journalist, radio host, author and podcaster Celeste Headlee:

It’s important to know what you do well and don’t do well.
You are not a 7-11…the “business of you” needs to have an opening and closing time.
Human beings only have the capacity to focus for about 4 hours a day.
Working more hours does not help us get more done.
Many times, the more successful you are, the busier you are, and the less likely you’ll be to be able to enjoy your success and financial freedom.
Our addiction to our electronics is a symptom. What do you think your cause is?
Make time for play and hobbies…for no reason or outcome.
Even if you think you don’t have time for play…do it anyways!!
Let go of the feeling that you have to be good at everything.
People enjoy you, your conversation and your company more than you realize.
Get out of your own way!
Research shows that you make a much better impression by what you ask versus what you say.
Create your own daily routine that fits who you are!

Link to her “Top 10” Ted talk: 10 Ways To Have A Better Conversation

https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation

GUEST BIO: Celeste Headlee is an internationally recognized journalist and radio host, professional speaker and author of bestselling book We Need To Talk: How To Have Conversations That Matter and Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving. Her latest is Speaking of Race: Why Everyone Needs to Talk About Racism and How to Do It. Her TEDx Talk, 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation, has been viewed over 26 million times. Close to 50,000 talks have been given at 10,000 events since the TED program launched in 2009, and Celeste’s talk is one of the 10 most-watched talks posted on TED’s homepage.

FIND HER/FOLLOW HER:

WEBSITE: https://celesteheadlee.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/celesteheadlee/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CelesteHeadlee

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=celeste+headlee

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celesteheadlee

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 39: Even If…There Is Hope

Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I_____________________________________________(insert your name here), HOPE and expect with confidence that if I tend to my life, I can and will:

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 38: How to Uproot, Dig In, and Bloom True with Julia Tyson Kissick

Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why listen? Here are just a few “heart taps” from this episode with JuJu Tyson Kissick of Good JUJU Ink:
1. Remember this: Things can change.
2. Sometimes it takes the people closest to you make you realize that you’re not OK and something needs to change.
3. Sometimes a closed door, is actually permission for you to go and thrive somewhere else.
4. Sometimes you need to grieve and own the place that you’re in right now.
5. It’s ok to admit to yourself that you still like doing things regardless of the outcome, because you like the doing. And the doing is its own journey, it’s own Joy.
6. Grownups need more thing that remind them of that feeling of being a child.
7. Just start. Whatever it is.
8. Friendships are the secret sauce of life.
9. ADHD is a superpower if you can feel free to be yourself and acknowledge what you need and what are not good at and have a safe space to ask for what you need.
10. You cannot do everything
11. Even if the source of illness cannot be changed, you can change the environment around the source of illness or around the person feeling ill to nurture things that can bloom.

GUEST Bio:
Meet Juju. As a kid, Juju liked to make pretty things. And connect with people. And make people laugh. Fast-forward to 2014. Hearkening to her childhood desires, Juju created Good Juju Ink, a high-end stationery business based on her timeless illustrative style, a strong belief in the power of the handwritten note, and a commitment to delighting people with wildly delightful products. Pretty things. Connecting with people. Laughter. Juju’s products espouse a sense of childlike wonder in each of their recipients and promote positivity in a world that all too often seems to promote the opposite. Good Juju Ink is devoted to spreading good juju. One illustration at a time.
https://www.goodjujuink.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 37: Legacy Making, One Bite At A Time with Nadia Liu Spellman

Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why listen? Here are just a few “heart taps” from this episode with restauranteur Nadia Liu Spellman:

    1.    Seasons change fast.
    2.    “Be a self sufficient woman.” Nadia’s father.
    3.    How you deal with your career evolves and changes.
    4.    Take a minute to just breathe.
    5.    Take the time to have connections with people.
    6.    Take time for yourself first. Not just to breathe…but at least an hour of your day…just for you.
    7.    Be careful, because when you are passionate about something…it’s easy to get carried away and then get overwhelmed and crack.
    8. To disconnect a bit, try putting your phone in the backseat while you are driving or setting some strict “no phone time” at night.
    9.    Creating healthy practices happens over time and with experience, rarely overnight.
    10.    We effect the generations after us…so think about what legacy are you leaving them?
    11.    Working is not working if it is your passion! If it makes you happy, do that, pursue that!

Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dumplingdaughter
https://www.facebook.com/dumplingdaughter/

BUY HER BOOK:
https://amzn.to/3Gb9svs

BUY HER DUMPLINGS:
https://dumplingdaughter.com/

GUEST BIO:
Nadia Liu Spellman is a proud graduate of the Weston High School Class of 2000. During her years in grade school in Weston, she worked in all aspects of the family restaurants starting at the age of 13.   She then attended Babson College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Management. After working in investment banking for five years in New York City, she left her career to pursue her true love for great food. Nadia managed her mother's restaurant, Sally Ling's in Fort Lee, NJ for two years until moving back to Bos
ton in 2011. Nadia grew up in a family where food and fine cuisine were an important part of life. She is excited to bring the food she grew up with and loves to Weston with her distinctive touch.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

EPISODE 36 :What You Sow, Will Grow

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode includes an afterword I wrote for this beautiful book:
“Unearthing The Secret Garden: The Plants & Places That Inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett” by Marta McDowell

About the book from the publisher:
For over a century, gardeners have been drawn into the story of Mary, Dickon, Colin, and the garden inside the locked door at Misselthwaite Manor. Frances Hodgson Burnett was an unlikely garden writer, particularly for inspiring children, as she did not cultivate any substantial bit of earth until she was on the doorstep of her fiftieth birthday. Her output of juvenile fiction was small in comparison to her otherwise prodigious body of work.

This book looks at the inspiration for The Secret Garden and explores Frances Hodgson Burnett's passion for flower gardening before, during, and after publication of The Secret Garden in 1910. It focuses on the three gardens she planted in England, America, and Bermuda.

Richly illustrated with artwork from many editions of The Secret Garden along with historical images and new photographs of an prolific, intriguing author. Burnett’s other garden-related writings—at least those that I have discovered so far—make up a section entitled “Outside The Secret Garden.”

CLICK HERE TO ORDER: https://amzn.to/3Atqzp6

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 35: 5 Ways to Transform Your Life with Kevin Griffin

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why Listen? Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this episode with singer/songwriter Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra:

Kevin’s dad said, “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”
What is your second act?
Alway believe that your greatest work is ahead of you.
As you get older, you have to take overt action to continue to be inspired.
Seeking inspiration keeps those neuropathways malleable and flexible.
Surround yourself with people who bring a skill set different from your own.
Let go of your ego. “Your ego is not your amigo!”
The people who just don’t quit are the ones who win at the end of the day.
Remain open.
You have to continue to fill the well with inspiration to avoid creative bankruptcy.
Dare to be stupid.
If something isn’t working, change your angle of approach.

BUY HIS BOOK: The Greatest Song: Spark Creativity, Ignite Your Career, and Transform Your Life https://amzn.to/3JYCSOh

SIDE NOTE: Kevin references Sir Kenneth Robinson’s Ted Talk on Education. https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity

GUEST BIO: https://www.kevingriffinmusic.com/
Kevin Griffin is an award-winning songwriter that has landed multiple number ones, including Howie Day’s “Collide” and Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue,” which became the 11th most downloaded country music song of all time. His rock band Better Than Ezra has occupied spots on Billboard’s “100 Greatest Alternative Songs of All Time” and “100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time.” The band’s legacy encompasses: the double- platinum classic Deluxe (1995) and its instantly recognizable, number one smash single “Good,” the gold-selling Friction, Baby (1997) with “Desperately Wanting,” Closer (2001) with “Lifetime” and “Extra Ordinary,” and the epic album Before the Robots (2005). Their song “Breathless” was notably performed and recorded by Taylor Swift.

Griffin is also a cofounder and partner in Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival located in Franklin, Tennessee. Now in its ninth year, the festival has attracted top headlining talent such as Justin Timberlake and the Foo Fighters. Griffin’s musical prowess spans from artistry to leadership, singing it forward as a writer-in-residence at NYU's Clive Davis School of Music. Griffin also lectures internationally on creativity to companies such as Google, Spotify, YPO/ WPO and Salesforce.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 34: The Work-Life Balance Myth with Christina Wallace

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why Listen? Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this episode with Christina Wallace:

1. Instead of saying, “I don’t fit in anywhere”, reframe that and say, “I just need to find out where I fit”. Because the truth is, not fitting in is not a judgment call on you, it’s just an observation.
2. Know “who you are”, separate from ‘what you do’, that way…if what you “do” gets taken away, you don’t lose who you are.
3.Don’t postpone feeling, by doing.
4. Your purpose is so much greater than your job.
5. The worlds best run manufacturing lines operate at 85% capacity, and so should we.
6.Ask yourself are you over promising your time?
7. The word multitasking was created to describe a computers function. It was never meant to describe a human.
8. Work/life balance is bullshit. It’s not a thing, it’s a myth.
9. Change is inevitable. The question is, will you pursue change or will you wait until it happens to you?

GUEST BIO:
A self-described "human Venn diagram," Christina Wallace has crafted a career at the intersection of business, technology, and the arts. After a decade as a serial entrepreneur, she joined the faculty of Harvard Business School where she is the course head of the first-year entrepreneurship class and runs the HBS Startup Bootcamp. Her latest book is The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build A Life Bigger Than Your Business Card (Hachette, April 2023).

FIND HER/FOLLOW HER:

http://www.christinawallace.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cmwalla/

https://twitter.com/cmwalla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinawallace/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 33: What’s Eating You? with Kathianne Sellers Williams

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

WHY LISTEN?
Here are just a few “heart taps” from this episode:

It’s not about what you eat: it’s about why you are eating.
Many eating issue stem from trauma.
Create a body image timeline and go back to the first time you started thinking about or hearing comments about your body.
“We are all operating on a belief system that we might not be aware of”
Many times, people’s opinions about you…aren’t really about you! So stop taking that in as Truth!
Diets don’t work. Let me say this again: Diets don’t work. Dieting is actually a predictor of weight gain.
If you are spending too much time thinking about food and body stuff…what would you rather be doing with that time? Imagine how free it would be to have that time to really grow your passion and your purpose!
We need more romping!!

GUEST Bio: Kathianne Sellers Williams, MEd, RD:

Kathianne is a non-diet dietitian specializing in intuitive eating. For over 25 years, she’s helped women find well-being through gentle nutrition, self-compassion, and attunement with one’s body. She’s a mama, artist, and gardener who loves serendipity and sunshine, books and lifelong learning. Kathianne believes creative expression is food for the soul.

Website: www.NourishCreateBloom
Instagram: @NourishCreateBloom and @Kathianne

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 32: The BIG Pivot: Healing You Before Helping Them with Gina Ferrari

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why listen? Here are just a few heart taps from this week’s episode.

Co-dependency is an addiction.
Each version of who you have been is so important because it helped to make you who you are.
Listen to your body. It will tell you when things aren’t right.
What we what we put in our bodies and minds has the potential to help us or hurt us.
And each bite of food is another opportunity to put good things in us.
Grounding is the practice of putting our feet directly on the earth and connecting to its energy and it’s so good for us!!
Before you can truly help others, you need to do the work, your work.

DISCOUNT CODE: And don’t forget to use the discount code: Well Tended to get 20% off your Magic Secret Garden Salt order. I’ve been using it instead of my regular garlic pepper…and I am completely addicted. Give it a try!

GUEST BIO: Gina is a Phoenix Arizona native now raising her family in beautiful sunny Scottsdale. Her family’s health journey took them on a windy healing path that led them to diet and lifestyle changes. Particularly removing toxins.For the first time she really heard and understood the magnitude of the quote “food is thy medicine, medicine is thy food”. Secret Garden Magic Salt is her delicious, nutritious and efficient creation born out of necessity.

Guest Links:
https://secretgardenliving.com/
https://instagram.com/secretgardenliving?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ=

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 31: How To See Your Life Through Secret Garden Goggles

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Have you taken a good look at your life lately? Or are you rushing past your own life… on your way to tend to everyone else?

In this episode we take a quick tour of your life, in its current state, as it really is. And for the purpose of this tour, and this entire podcast for that matter, I want you to imagine your life as a garden.

After you listen, if you are ready to start doing some work on your Life-Garden, click here: TELL ME MORE and plant your email there to be the first to learn about something we are cultivating called Well-Tended U.

Well-Tended U is a place and space for workshops, courses, coaching and retreats designed to show YOU the keys to unlock your best Well-Tended Life.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 30: The Magic Behind The Love Note Fairy Revolution with Jennifer Belthoff

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Why Listen? Here are the heart taps from today’s episode:

Give yourself the time to figure things out, vs rushing through it.
The blank page will catch anything that you throw at it.
Your thing, your passion…doesn’t have to be something hard…what feels easy and natural? Explore that!
Remember…where you start, is never where you end.
Journaling tells you what you need to hear, and it’s going to tell you over and over again until you actually do it.
You can make a difference in someone’s day, just by sending a postcard.
Friendship can be hard.
We need to celebrate more!
Do something that takes you out of your comfort zone.
It’s so much easier to do things together than it is alone.

Side Note:
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey
https://amzn.to/40ogQLN

Guest Bio:

Jennifer Belthoff is a writer and heart-centered guide. Through her podcast, writing classes, and community space she helps women learn how to be fully present in their life so that they make the changes they are craving to unearth JOY. She believes in the power of the written word and is on a mission to connect individuals through the magic of postcards. When she isn’t writing or creating you can find her out in nature soaking in the fresh air.

Website: jenniferbelthoff.com
Instagram: @jbelthoff

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 29: How To Cultivate AWE-dacity with Jaime Kurowski

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Why Listen? Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this episode with Jaime Kurowski of She Makes Art:

We get to choose the words that we surround ourselves with.
The journey back to ourselves is a daily practice.
If you don’t like where you are…ask yourself what are you repeating, what are you thinking, saying and believing?
Choose love over fear.
If you are constantly reliving the past or the thinking about the future in your mind..you are not able to be truly present.
When you first wake up, there is so much potential there…so don’t pick up for phone first.
There is so much goodness that we are missing out on, by not turning things off?
Have the audacity to take the time to do the thing(anything)that might not be the societal norm but that feeds your soul! Rest, meditate, go for a walk, paint, grow something, start a business, write that poem.
You can’t see awe when you are in stress and in the rushing.
Sometimes we keep ourselves in that wheel of hard.
Find a place for your words to go. A journal, art, music, poetry, anywhere…but stuck inside.
Get it all out, so you can be here now.

GUEST BIO:
Jaime Kurowski is a former school teacher who accidentally became a writer and started a soulful art business after a messy divorce. Among other things, she makes one of a kind driftwood art pieces that are burned freehand with all the words that "live in her bloodstream." Words of love, literature, nature, resilience, and a touch of Jersey sass where she grew up. She is a single mom who took a leap of faith when she quit teaching this past year to pursue her art full time. During this year, she also created a workshop and podcast called Awe-dacity to collect courage! She wants to share stories of the audacity to love, leave, lead and take leaps of faith to inspire others to do the same. She herself had the audacity to leave a marriage, quit a job, sell her art, share her poetry, start a business, buy magenta glasses, and start her podcast, to name a few. Her life's purpose is clear...to help guide us back to our authentic selves through the power of words and art. Find Her @ https://www.shemakes.art/

SIDE NOTES:

Cathy Heller: https://www.cathyheller.com

“You are a badass” by Jen Sicnero https://jensincero.com

Gabby Bernstein https://gabbybernstein.com

“Do Less” by Kate Northrop https://katenorthrup.com

Amy draws art: https://instagram.com/amydraws_art?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=

The Aritsts Way: Morning Pages https://juliacameronlive.com

TUT Email, Mike Dooley https://www.tut.com

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 28: How To Pull the Weeds of Busyness

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Why Listen?
Are you covered up in the weeds of busyness? Do you feel like you need to make room? Take a listen to hear how I began to MAKE ROOM.

HOW TO MAKE ROOM:

1. Write down all the things that you would rather be doing if you weren’t so busy.

2. Create a no speech so you are prepared to say no.

3. Consider resigning from things you are currently committed to.

4. Then watch out for the signs that the weeds of busyness have crept back in. I actually do this daily in my journal practice. If you are curious about that practice, there is a link in the show notes below to a free journal template…where you can learn to Read, Reflect, Weed, Seed and Water…in order to live your best well-tended life.

SIDE NOTE:
BOND & GRACE ART NOVEL : The Secret Garden
https://www.bondandgrace.com

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 27: Chasing Dreams and Literary Things with Haleigh De Rocher

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Why Listen? Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this amazing episode with artist Haleigh De Rocher:

Don’t be afraid to listen to your gut and change/shift…even when you are part way through.
You don’t have to know what you are doing, you don’t need a plan…just do it.
Set aside chunks of time for specific tasks…and stay focused.
Want to be inspired creatively? Just open a new book
Don’t hide your true self for fear of what other people on the internets are going to think. Just show up and be you.
Pretending that things didn’t happen…doesn’t change the fact that they happened. Let’s learn from them!
If you are looking to turn your passion into a business, find someone who is willing to talk with you about their business.
Learn to enjoy the mundane.
Slow down and enjoy the moment you are in.

GUEST BIO:
Haleigh DeRocher is the owner and artist of Sweet Sequels, a literary art shop. She has been making art inspired by the books she loves for almost a decade. Her most popular products include the classic books she illustrates, her handmade blankets, pillows, and animal stuffies, and a wide variety of art prints. She is married to a math teacher and a stay-at-home/homeschool mama to four little ones.

FIND/FOLLOW HER:
Www.Sweetsequels.com
Instagram @sweetsequels

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 26: How To GROW Through What You Go Through with Nicki Carlson

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Why Listen? Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this amazing episode with author NICKI CARLSON:

Passion is contagious
The veil that separates us from our loved ones who have died is so much thinner than we recognize.
We have to take the time to look around us.
There is good in the grief because grief creates intimacy.
We do hard things when we have no choice but to do hard things.
When going through grief, your feelings are not going to make sense.
Give yourself permission to FEEL IT ALL.

NICKI’S BOOK:
Grace-Faced: Pursuing the Life-Changing Perspective of a Loving God by Nicki Carlson https://amzn.to/3l7ysMp

GUEST BIO:
Nicki Dechert Carlson was born and raised in Kerrville, Texas. She attended Kerrville public schools and graduated from Tivy High School in 1993. While at Tivy, Nicki met John Carlson, and the two began dating and are married to this day. John is a solo law practitioner specializing in estate planning, probate, and guardianship matters. They have three children: Rachel, in her fourth year at Texas A&M; Grace, in her first year at the University of Texas in Austin; and Johnathan, a freshman at Tivy High School.

Nicki released her first book last year, Grace-Faced: Pursuing the Life-Changing Perspective of a Loving God. She has previously written for newspapers, magazines, trade journals, and on her blog “Expressively His.” Grace-Faced has been met with great enthusiasm and praise. One Amazon review states, “Grace-Faced is a book unlike any other I have read. Carlson greets me on her pages like a trusted friend: sympathetic, understanding, and never preachy or holier than thou. Her humorous stories, anecdotes, and personal experiences showcase her openness and non-judgmental style as she walks me through the ways I can seek the face of God.”

Another reader comments, “Carlson's conversational style of writing will make you feel like you're sitting across the table from a wise and close friend enjoying a great cup of coffee and quality time together.”

When she’s not writing, Nicki enjoys playing tennis and piano, volunteering at her church and children’s schools, singing, and trying to keep her flower and vegetable gardens alive.

SIDE NOTES: Links to things referenced in the podcast episode.
John Legend’s Song: Pieces https://youtu.be/7RrMneXJ9w0

Book: Elija by Pricilla Shirer https://amzn.to/3JDm5lw

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 25: How to Make Room & Create Delight with Allison Keys

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Why Listen? Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this amazing episode with artist and Secret Garden builder ALLISON KEYS:

When you allow delight into your own life …it ends up delighting other people.
Make getting dressed a game. Put on a color that represents what you want to be and watch as you begin to reflect that very thing.
It’s good to be protective of your space.
When creating a secret space for yourself…think about your special place in you heart first before you start.
Get your hands in some dirt! It’s so good for your soul!
Sometimes we have these seeds of things we want to do, but then when they fall to the ground. And sometimes we want to pick them back up, not realizing that this seed has to fall…in order for something even more beautiful to happen or grow.

GUEST BIO:
Allison Keys is an over-dressed secret gardener as well as an artist, writer, and illustrator living on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Allison believes in adding to the beauty to tell a better story and doing little things with great love.

FIND HER/FOLLOW HER:
https://allisonkeyssilverwing.com/
https://instagram.com/allisonrkeys?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=
https://www.facebook.com/allison.keys1

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 24: How to Live with Intension with Ginny Mossman

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Why Listen? Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this amazing episode with teacher/artist/seed planter GINNY MOSSMAN:

Sometimes we just have to turn the page.
We are meant to live through the ugly, TOGETHER.
The stuff that we carry, we unintentionally take out on the people around us.
Be intentional.
Start as you plan to go.
Pay attention to what people need to hear.
You don’t have to be a professional. I’m just a person, doing what I feel, not really knowing where this is going to go.(I love that peace)
Sometimes, we’ve just gotta do something different.

GUEST BIO:
Teacher by day, artist by night, Ginny uses her ProCreate pencil and iPad to plant seeds of positively into the world thorough her instagram account CREATED BY GINNY…where she hand letters colorful messages like these:

“Not all storms are meant to disrupt your life…some are meant to clear a path.”
AND
“We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges.”

She is an absolute delight and I can’t wait for you to meet her!

FOLLOW HER:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdbyginny?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=

SIDE NOTES: In our chat, Ginny references the following apps.
Calm App, Jay Shetty: https://www.calm.com/dailyjay
Procreate App: https://procreate.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 23: How to Bounce Back Better with Dean Fitch

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

WHY LISTEN?
Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this amazing episode with DEAN FITCH:

Resilience to him really means to bounce back and to bounce back better, not just enduring or adapting, or recovering quickly, but to spring forth as a better version of yourself.
Your strengths are usually hiding in plain view.
4 Key Traits of Resilience that YOU CAN DEVELOP: optimism, kindness, humility, and connection.
Optimism breeds resilience.
Remember the exceptions!! Everything is not all bad, so focus on the exceptions to get a foothold on optimism.
You find what you are looking for, so look for the good.
It’s important that we practice and prioritize self care.
Don’t forget that little things add up to big things.
Lean in more to the things that make you feel good.
Know your why.
You don’t need a personal crisis or a stage in life to go wait a minute, what matters most to me, who am I, what do I want to be about, what do I value, what is my mission, and how do I want to spend this precious thing that I have called time.

GUEST BIO
Dean serves as Principal for a behavioral health software group (Kipu Health) and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He’s is married to his amazing wife Rachel of 32 years and father of three and grandfather of 1 and one on the way!

He is focused on helping mental health and behavioral health organizations thrive so they can continue impacting others for good.

“I love to spend time with family and friends, mountain biking, travel and making time for self-reflection, personal growth and gratitude.”

SOCIAL

https://www.instagram.com/deanfitch16/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 22: Stepping Up, Shining Bright and Shedding Secrets with Ash Beckham

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

WHY LISTEN?
Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this amazing episode with author ASH BECKHAM:

I am a work in progress. I’ve never met an interesting person that hasn’t had some challenges.
We have to be able to toggle between our different things each day…mom, entrepreneur, advocate, speaker…and to make room for that.
We hold in secrets because we don’t want to admit it to ourselves and because our secret is a potential threat to our relationships.
You have to face yourself first, before you can face others.
Once you unlock your door and disclose your secret to someone, give them some time to process, because you had your own time to processes it. We must give them the same opportunity.
It’s a social disturbance to NOT shine your light .
To call up your courage, envision what your brightness looks like without the weight of the secrets and use this for fuel.
Courage begets courage, it’s contagious.
Our own vulnerability, authenticity and transparency opens the door for others to feel safe with their secrets and it helps to create a safe space for others to be vulnerable
Right now, from where you are, you can lead. (Repeat that to yourself)
Be willing to be imperfect and have grace with yourself, because you are not going to do things perfect.
When fear creeps in, tell that doubter/critic in your head to take the bench, because you are doing big girl stuff right now!
Curiosity is critical, it makes your lens broader.

SIDE NOTE: This is the NPR Podcast that I listened to about KEEPING SECRETS that led me to Ash and it includes her TEDX speech. It’s so great…take a listen.

https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/377505449/keeping-secrets

GUEST BIO
Ash Beckham is a sought after speaker and an “accidental advocate” for equality who does not shy away from hard conversations. Her book Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader (Sounds True, March 2020) is an empowering call-to-action to help mobilize all to embrace a different vision of leadership to create change in our workplaces, schools, places of worship, communities, and homes cultivated from both Beckham's personal and professional experiences.

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.ashbeckham.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ashbeckham

https://www.instagram.com/theashbeckham/

https://twitter.com/ashbeckham

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 21: Digging In, Getting Lost, and Making Room with Rachel Dodge

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -0600

WHY LISTEN?
Here are just a few HEART TAPS from this amazing episode with author RACHEL DODGE:

Creating a rhythm for quality time, helps us to stay connected
When you say no to something, you are actually giving someone else the opportunity to say yes to it!
Never say “never”…because so many times…that then becomes the thing that you focus on…and then it happens!
Just do the next thing…then you’ll get the next set of instructions.
Our companions are being gather for us. But who is being gathered around us…isn’t always what we are looking for or that we think we need..but they are exactly what we need!
Sometimes hard is good.
We all need room to grow, but we also need to give those around us the same room to grow
Losing your way is a part of finding your way.

GUEST BIO:
RACHEL DODGE is the bestselling author of The Secret Garden Devotional which offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in my great-great grandmother Frances H. Burnett’s novel, cherished by generations of readers.

Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

Want to know what I thought about her book? I cried…it is so beautiful!

"With the skill of a master gardener and the gentle hand of a friend, Rachel guides us through Mary's path and garden to show us the seeds of wisdom and wonder that have been planted there all along. She then sows these truths deep into our hearts with a special blend of biblical knowledge, purposeful prayer, and real-life application."

Order yours today by going to www.racheldodge.com or ask for it anywhere books are sold.

Side Note
In the episode, I mentioned a preacher that talked about how we need hard things… and referenced football. This is the guy: https://ericthomas.com/

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

A BRAND NEW SEASON IS COMING

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0600

I am so excited to announce that a brand new season of The Well-Tended Life Podcast will be back in full bloom on JANUARY 11th, 2023.

As a reminder…The Well-Tended Life Podcast is all about intentional living, that’s inspired by my great great grandmother’s classic book The Secret Garden.

For those who are just joining in here, let me introduce myself.

I’m Keri Wilt, a speaker, writer, and heart cultivator with a soul full of sunshine who’s on a mission to help you flourish.

That’s because not long ago, I looked down and discovered that my life had become an over-planted mess that was choking out my relationships, creativity, and purpose. I was irritable, exhausted, and watering everything but myself.

That’s when some soul-searching journaling time and a late-night re-reading of my great-great-grandmother’s classic book The Secret Garden unearthed this Well-Tended Life Truth: That EVERY locked-up, weed-filled, withering life can bloom and grow again with the help of a little magic.

Now I am not talking about the kind of magic that needs a wand and a trick top hat. I am talking about a dig in, make room, prune away, work on, water well, weed, and feed your soul kind of life-tending magic that I can’t wait to share with you here on this podcast.

And here is another truth, a Well-Tended Life is not a set it and forget it life, nor is it a perfect life. It is worked on every day, in the sunshine and through the storms. And the truth is, what worked in our life-gardens last season, may not work in the next. That’s why here at The WTL Podcast, we will be interviewing people who have grown and bloomed true in a variety of seasons and are willing to share their well-tended wisdom and weed-whacking advice with us!

This season we are going to talk about: Rest, Fear, Addiction, Busyness, Growth, grief, Friendship, Relationships, Time Management, Self Care, Pivots, Expectations, Wandering, Gratitude, Overcoming, Hard Work, Goals/Intentions, Relationships, Health, Fitness, Change, Secrets, Letting Go, and so much More!

So, meet me back here each week and we will dig in together to discover what’s keeping you locked up tighter than The Secret Garden and unearth the tools that will keep you growing and blooming through every season.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 20: The Practice of Body Positivity with Photographer Bella Shearheart

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode my guest, my friend and photographer Bella Shearheart chats with us about the practice of body positivity and shares the inspiration behind her latest project that celebrates some amazing women and their beautiful bodies.

This is the 6th episode in this series about practices, so go back and watch any that you may have missed!

Guest Bio:
Bella Shearhart was born and raised in Kerrville, Tx and resides there now with her husband, Brad and daughters, Adelyn, Camille, Elliot and Gillian. Bella began her business, Bella Photography in early 2012 and now specializes in Portraits, Birth/Newborn and Sunset Boudoir sessions. She has a passion for capturing empowering and inspriing moments in peoples lives. Bella strives to preserve timeless moments in the most captivating way possible.

Follow her on Instagram @BELLAPHOTOGRAPHYTEXAS and on Facebook @BellaPhotography or at her website... www.bellaphotographytexas.com

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 19: The Practice of Turning Burdens into Blessings

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode my guest, author and artist Carrie Schmitt, chats with us about the practice of turning our burdens into blessings and how this practice has changed her life.

This is the fifth episode in this series about practices, so go back and watch any that you may have missed!

Guest Bio:
Carrie Schmitt is an artist, author, and instructor who began painting as a therapeutic practice after being diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to heat in 2009.

Today, Carrie leads online and in-person art workshops. Her art is sold in galleries and in private collections internationally and licensed for clothing, home décor, accessories, toys, and stationery. Her art has also been featured in several international publications, including Professional Artist and In Her Studio magazines.

In 2018, Carrie converted a 2002 Bluebird short school bus into a mobile art studio to have a place to paint and bring art visibility to her community.

Her most recent book, The Story of Every Flower, is a collection of her vibrant art and intimate writing that documents her 10 year journey as an artist.

Carrie lives and works in Duvall, Washington.

www.carrieschmittdesign.com

Facebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and Design

Instagram: @carrieschmitt

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 18: The Practice Of Creativity with Tracey Hewitt

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, my guest author and artist Tracey Hewitt chats with us about the practice of creativity and it’s profound effect on our daily lives.

This is the fourth in this series about practices, so go back and watch any that you have missed!

Guest Bio:
Tracey is a visual artist, writer and art teacher with a special interest in the healing and therapeutic benefits of creativity. She lives by a billabong, not far from Theodore in Central Queensland, surrounded by her farming family.

A mixed media artist for over 20 years, she creates intuitively - from the inside out – she’s never sure what a piece will be until it’s finished. Her artwork is held in private collections in four countries, and career highlights have included designing a mosaic wall for a Theodore Community arts project, building an international creative community, and a collector who once purchased work as a gift for members of the Tongan royal family.

She is also the author of “When Your Superpower Becomes Your Kryptonite” which can be found on amazon.com or on her website www.traceyhewitt.com

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 17: The Practice of Healthcare with Giovanna Capozza

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This week’s guest is wellness advocate Giovanna Capozza and she chats with us how the practice of healthcare.

Show Notes:
Feelings Buried Alive Never Die By Karol K Truman
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0911207023/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iyDhFbMHSZ7PD

Guest Bio:
Always a seeker of answers with a Sherlock Holmes-esque tendency, Giovanna spent most of her early and late 20s fascinated by the world of natural healing and spirituality. She was seeking ways in which to improve her life and health not realizing she was stumbling on a life’s calling. She became absorbed in books, research on the mind body
connection, and alternative healing practices, and then passionate about educating others about her findings. She realized that empowerment came from knowledge, and she
needed to share as much as she could.

For over 24 years Giovanna has placed her focus on answering one main question: what is the root cause of all dis-ease, and how can we truly heal - mentally, physically and spiritually?

Giovanna Capozza is the co-founder of Blue Hive Health, a healing space for mind and body. As a Master Life Coach, Spiritual Teacher, Mind/Body Expert and Podcast Host she combines all her skills to bring a truly holistic experience to her clients.

A trained Alternative Medicine Doctor in Homeopathy and Holistic Nutrition, she held a clinical practice for nearly 8 years near Toronto, Canada. She later shifted her focus to working predominantly with men and women who wanted to experience more fulfillment and meaning in their relationships. She has studied with some of the world’s most successful and influential alternative medicine and personal growth experts, coaches and trainers.

Giovanna teaches and speaks locally and internationally on the topics of wellness and relationships. She is a strong passionate voice for personal health advocacy and authentic heart-based living. Find out more about her work at www.giovannacapozza.com or on Instagram at @wellwoman.health

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 15: Our Secret Garden Stories with Michelle Clapton & Dixie Egerickx

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Friends, this is the 5th and final episode in the “Secret Garden Stories” series that features many of those who have brought this new Secret Garden film to life.

I had so much fun talking with Michelle and Dixie for today's podcast. Michelle is the Emmy winning costume designer who had a real “vision for growth” in mind as she designed for this film. And Dixie...well she is the pure delight in a spunky little package that brought Mary to light in a whole new way!

Ya’ll, I can hardly believe this is the final episode in this series. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to them all, go back! You won’t be disappointed...and your love for this new film and the book will bloom even brighter than before.

I am so thankful to STX Entertainment, Studio Canal, and Heyday Films for the opportunity to give my listeners a peek behind the ivy curtain of this brilliant version of my great-great-grandmother’s story.

Enjoy today’s episode!

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 14: My Secret Garden Story with Screenwriter Jack Thorne

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This is the 4th episode in the “Secret Garden Stories” series that features many of those who have brought this new Secret Garden film to life. In this one, I get to chat with the screenwriter, Jack Thorne.

It is such an intimate peek behind the curtain about how films are really made...and his charm and honesty about the difficulties of bringing a beloved classic to life is heartwarming.

You will love him...and the film even more after listening...all while learning a few life-tending lessons in between.

SHOW NOTES:
In this episode, Jack asks me which “adult” book of my great-great-grandmothers he should read first. And because I can’t choose just one...here are a few to choose from in no particular order:
-The Lost Prince
-The Dawn of To-Morrow
-A Lady of Quality
-The Shuttle
-T. Tembarom
-The Head of the House of Coombe

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 13: My Secret Garden Story with Isis Davis

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Martha...Martha...Martha! For this week’s Podcast, I interviewed my VERY FAVORITE character from The Secret Garden, played in the newest movie by Isis Davis. I was truly giddy for this one ya’ll...and I am now an even bigger fan of hers. She is absolutely delightful and as we chat, she openly shares about how empowering this experience was for her and how it helped launch a new part of her career. I am quite sure that you will leave this interview encouraged, smiling, and believing in the magic that happens when we start saying out loud who we are and what we want to be.

You can follow her at @ispeakishare on Instagram. And be sure to check out her other work Cover Me, Lie Low, and Bloodyminded.

Enjoy!

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 12: My Secret Garden Story with the Producer of The Secret Garden Film Rosie Alison

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Friends, I had so much fun talking with Rosie in this episode about her role in the new Secret Garden film! I know that this conversation will make you want to go back and watch the movie again and again because of all the things you may have missed!
.
.
Guest Bio: Rosie actually grew up in Yorkshire, and read English at Keble College, one of the locations they used in the movie. She spent ten years directing television documentaries before becoming a film producer at Heyday Films. She is married with two daughters and lives in London. And she wrote the brilliant novel, The Very Thought of You.
.
.
To listen to the YouTube version of this episode or to find out where to watch the new film, head to https://msha.ke/thewelltendedlife/ .

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 11: My Secret Garden Story with Director of The Secret Garden Movie Marc Munden

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0500

This is the first episode in the “Our Secret Garden Stories” series that features interviews with many of those who have helped to bring the new Secret Garden film to life. Listen in as Marc reveals some behind the scenes magic, mishaps and so much more. Reminder: In the US, you can watch this fantastical new version in your own home beginning Friday August 7th...via video on demand. But don’t worry...there aren’t any spoilers in this episode!

Guest Bio: Marc Munden’s TV dramas have been nominated on 7 occasions for a BAFTA, winning for both The Mark of Cain and National Treasure and on 7 occasions for a Royal Television Society Award, winning for both The Devil’s Whore and National Treasure. In 2017, after three BAFTA nominations for Best Director, he won for National Treasure.

Utopia won an International Emmy for Best Drama Series in 2014. Marc most recently completed The Secret Garden for Heyday/ Studio Canal starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

The Practice Of: Meditation with Clean Crafted Life Advocate Deanna Salles-Freeman

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Friends, I had so much fun talking with Deanna in this episode about the practice of meditation! She really breaks it down and shows us the power that a meditation practice can have in our daily lives. There are so many good nuggets in this episode and I know I personally plan to make the 4-7-8 breathing method a regular part of my well-tended day.

If you want to know more about Deanna and her coaching...Check out her website: www.deannawellness.com or follow her on social media under that same name: Deanna Wellness.

SHOW NOTES:
Deanna referenced this book: Feelings Buried Alive Never Die By Karol K Truman
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0911207023/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iyDhFbMHSZ7PD

Deanna Blog that inspired this podcast: http://www.deannawellness.com/service/blog/2020/05/06/a-beginners-guide-to-mindful-meditation-five-tips-for-starting-a-meditation-practice

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 9: Joy, Goodness & Growth with Randi Hamlyn

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Friends, I had so much fun talking with my friend Randi today! She is such bright light and I know she will inspire you with her words of encouragement and truth. In this episode she talks about BIG gratitude, wildflower adventures, and challenges us all to spread weekly joy. Take a listen and let us know what you think by leaving a comment behind.

Randi Hamlyn is the mama and maker behind Indigo Laine & Co where she creates quality leather goods that will last a lifetime or two. Check out her creations and more on her website: www.indigolaine.com and follow her on social media as Indigo Laine & Co.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 8: Joy, Goodness, and Growth with Jess Smiley

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Friends, I had so much fun talking with Jess today! He is such an inspiration to me. I am so glad my great-great-grandmother insulted him! (Listen in for the rest of that story!)

Want to learn more about him? Check out his website: www.Jess-smiley.com and go like and follow him on Instagram and Face as Jess Smart Smiley.

Guest Bio: Jess Smart Smiley makes rad pictures with his bare hands. Jess is the creator of graphic novels, picture books, comics, and zines. He has helped more than 2,000 children, teens, and adults create their first comics, completed more than 80 sketchbooks, and has created work for DisneyPixar, Cartoon Network, Penguin Random House, and Top Shelf Productions.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 7: Joy, Goodness, and Growth with Writer Danielle Davies

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Friends, I had so much fun talking Danielle today! I loved hearing about how she is trying to focus in and do one thing really well, how she is managing all this ”together time”, and I LOVED her challenge to us all to veer off the comfortable path more often!

She is hilarious and I can’t believe we went the whole episode and didn’t talk about her run for political office, her motivational speaking career, or that time she spent creating an internet parody that went viral of her life living with a cardboard cutout of the actor Bradley Cooper.

So, to fill in those blanks...go to www.Danielledavies.com or follow her by the same name on Facebook and Instagram.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 6: Joy, Goodness, & Growth with Blogger Lindsay Dianne

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0500

Can a tea ritual bring you joy? Can a pandemic actually be cleansing? These are just a few things that this week’s Podcast guest Lindsay Dianne shares with us in our intimate conversation about the Joy, Goodness, and Growth that is planted all around us.

To watch the visual/YouTube version cyclical here: https://youtu.be/k4AcBcezyWQ

GUEST BIO:

Hello, I'm Lindsay Dianne a bygone gal from California now living in a cottage in New York with my Swedish husband. Together we run a lifestyle blog called itsacharminglife.com which celebrates mindful living that we hope inspires others through our vintage fashion, charming travels, and enchanting storytelling. Go now and Like/Follow/Friend Lindsay Dianne at: @itsacharminglife on Instagram and Facebook.

As always, thank you for stopping by! 🌼💚PLEASE take a minute to SHARE, REVIEW, COMMENT, LIKE or REPOST anything you find inspiring here at The Well-Tended Life... as it helps to UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF THESE LIFE-TENDING LESSONS FOR SOMEONE ELSE!

#interviewseries #joygoodnessgrowth

#inspiration #motivation #seedsofhope #lifelesson #confession #truth #grow #bloom #bloomintoyou #growth #itsnotaboutthebloom #thesecretgarden #secretgarden #franceshodgsonburnett #welltended #welltendedlife #purposenotperfection #theworkofyou #cultivate #growthmindset

#swedish #vintage #blogger #lifestyleblog #books #reading #bookclub

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 5: Joy, Goodness, and Growth with Danielle Freitag

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Can music transform your brain? Can journaling help in healing? These are just a few things that this week’s guest, author and advocate Danielle Freitag, shares with us in our intimate conversation about the Joy, Goodness, and Growth that is planted all around us.

GUEST BIO:
Danielle Freitag, LADC, author, co-founding executive director of Action169, is an overcomer of severe addiction and the commercial sex industry.

Danielle works as a counselor and advocate, providing direct support, care and counseling for women in a variety of settings. She is the creator of Arukah, a trauma-informed, faith-centered counseling service promoting holistic restoration through evidence-based practices, including the creative arts. Her mission is to empower women to overcome substance use and to enable those in the strip club industry to know their intrinsic worth.

Offering expert training on combating the realities of exploitation and addiction while providing best care practices, Danielle has been requested to advise counselors and advocates, safe homes, medical, government and non-government professionals and has served as a consultant to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Invited to speak nationally and internationally, Danielle's captivating story of transformation inspires hope and offers solutions. She is the author of Best Care Practices, a manual for service providers, and her first book, The Garden Keys - 22 Keys of Restoration was released June of 2018. Volume II of The Garden Keys - Awakening Daughter Zion, was released November of 2019. She and her husband Corey reside in Minnesota, and together, they serve as focus leaders in the Minnesota Apostolic Prayer Network - to end
commercial sexual exploitation.

EPISODE NOTES:
Danielle reads from three places in her books titled The Garden Keys: Volume 1 & 2

- Mary pursuing her dream despite what others said: P.10 V.I

- Benefits of Journaling/Writing to Heal: P.134, 135 V.I

- The power of singing related to healing: P. 56-58 V.I

Danielle also references three books she is reading:
In Pursuit Of Love: One Woman’s Journey from Trafficked to Triumphant by Rebecca Bender, Inheritance: Clinging to God’s Promises in the Midst of Tragedy by Corey Russell, and Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry and Into the Arms of the Savior by Annie Lobert

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 4: Joy, Goodness, and Growth with author Ashley Ellington Brown

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0500

Are you lacking a morning ritual or routine? Has it been a while since you have spent time in nature? Do you struggle with control issues?

If you said YES to any of these questions, this week's episode is for you!

Friends, I had so much fun talking with my friend about her own morning rituals, the power of being in nature, and a new thing she is doing to help her take control of her need to over-control with four simple words: release, allow, accept and trust.

I just know you are going to enjoy this week’s interview with author Ashley Ellington Brown as we chat about the Joy, Goodness, and Growth that she is seeing in this season. Check it out and then let me know what you loved most about this interview. What did you learn?

And make sure you are following our Facebook page: The Well-Tended Life and Subscribe today to our Podcast and YouTube channels by the same name so you don’t miss an episode.

Like/Follow/Friend her at: @abeautifulmorning on Facebook and Go BUY HER BOOK AT: abeautifulmorningbook.com

Guest Bio: Ashley Ellington Brown is author of the multiple-award-winning guide A Beautiful Morning: How a Morning Ritual Can Feed Your Soul and Transform Your Life. Ashley’s own morning ritual inspired her to write the book in order to share this powerful tool with others. A freelance writer for more than 20 years, Ashley also writes the blog “Joy Detectives” about her quest to find joy in both the everyday and the extraordinary. Her writing has appeared in Yoga Journal, Thrive Global, The Daily Positive, The Red Tricycle, The Eden Magazine, and the anthology Song of Ourselves.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 3: Joy, Goodness, and Growth with Life Coach Courtney Barton

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0500

When was the last time you put YOU at the top of your list of things to feel grateful for? Have you ever been on that list? Well...after talking with my special guest this week...I am convinced that our own names should always be written in our gratitude journals.

I hope you enjoy this week’s interview with Life Coach Courtney Barton about the Joy, Goodness, and Growth that is planted all around her right now. Check it out and then let me know what you loved most about this interview. What did you learn?

A Bit About Courtney Barton: If a single word could be used to describe the driving motivation behind Courtney Barton’s life, it would be CONNECTION. She fondly remembers when her husband once said to her, “You can’t make a career out of meeting people for coffee!” Ironically, that’s exactly what she did. Courtney applied her genuine love for people and fascination with human nature to become a Certified Mentor and Leadership LifeCoach. She now spends all of her professional time having coffee with clients, while helping them develop and implement life-changing goals and strategies. Courtney is also trained in temperament and personality profiling to assist her clients in developing a greater level self-awareness and self-love. She and her husband Amos, have been married for 19 years and have lived in Kerrville, Texas since 2001. They have three teenage children, whom they unbiasedly consider to be extremely cool homeschool kids. Besides spending time with her family, Courtney enjoys travel, cooking, writing and hosting friends and family in the 100 year old historic home that she and Amos remodeled together. Between her professional and private life, Courtney is the luckiest woman you’ll ever meet - just ask her.

Like/Follow/Friend our Guest: @lifecoachcourtney on Instagram or go to www.lifecoachcourtney.com

Show Note: book referenced by Courtney “Letting Go” by David Hawkins

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 2: Joy, Goodness, & Growth with Country/Rock Artist Suzi Kory

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0500

Friends, I had so much fun talking with my friend Suzi about the importance of self reflection and her thoughts on where joy comes from. She is such a bright light and I do hope you take some time to listen and experience a bit of the joy she reflects on everyone around her.

Suzi Kory Bio
Some call it a midlife crisis but Suzi refers to it as a midlife revolution. A rebirth involving a rediscovery of your true self.

In Suzi's case, it was triggered by a fateful meeting with her musical idol, bringing back a flood of emotions she had felt as a teenager for music and performance. That meeting would proved to her that believing in something so passionately and taking action on that belief could manifest anything.

As a mom to two teenage boys with a full-time career in aviation, country rocker Suzi Kory made a radical decision three years ago to pursue her longtime dream of becoming a musical performer.

Since then, she has written and recorded ten singles, released four music videos and played stages in Toronto, Los Angeles and Brazil.

Her single, 'Settle of the Dust' can currently be heard on Sirius XM and an EP is slated for release this coming fall 2020.

For more information on Suzi Kory visit:
Website: https://suzikory.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzikory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzikory Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzikory
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuziKory

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

Episode 1: Joy, Goodness, & Growth with Lucky Star Art Camp Director Lisa Field

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 13:00:00 -0500

This is the first episode in a series about the Joy, Goodness, and Growth that is planted all around us. Take a look and see if you can see any of her joy, goodness and growth reflected in your own life!

To learn more about Lisa and her Lucky Star adventures go to www.LuckyStarArtCamp.com or @luckystarartcamp on Instagram.

Guest Bio:
Lisa Hamlyn Field lives, works, and dreams on a ranch in Hunt, Texas. She's a landscape designer, organic gardener, and event planner who loves to travel and spend time outside with her family. She takes every chance she gets to catch an outdoor concert, photograph her way through a farmer's market, ride the waves, or spend time in the National Parks. Lisa especially enjoys waking up on the ranch to a cup of hot tea, some time on her yoga mat, and taking her beloved dogs on long ranch road walks. You can often find her at a table full of friends, enjoying good food, lively conversation, and cultivating community. With a full-time job, a business, and kids ranging in age from 11 to 27, there is never a dull moment and that suits her just fine!

Lisa founded her creative business, Lucky Star Show + Tell, LLC, in 2012 with the desire to cultivate community, inspire women through creative workshops, and encourage women of all ages to rekindle the childlike spark within. Eight years later, her annual women’s art and whole living sleepaway camp, Lucky Star Art Camp, is going strong and she has found her true calling.

Lucky Star Art Camp 2020 is taking place November 4th - 8th at Camp Waldemar in Hunt, Texas. You can find more about camp and Lisa’s Lucky Star adventures online at www.luckystarartcamp.com or on Instagram @luckystarartcamp.

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.

The Well-Tended Life Podcast Trailer

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0500

My Secret Garden Story: Hello Everybody! I’m Keri Wilt, a speaker, writer, and heart cultivator with a soul full of sunshine who’s on a mission to help you flourish.

That’s because not long ago, I looked down and discovered that my life had become an over-planted mess that was choking out my relationships, creativity, and purpose. I was irritable, exhausted, and watering everything but myself.

That’s when some soul-searching journaling time and a late-night re-reading of my great-great-grandmother’s classic book The Secret Garden unearthed this Well-Tended Life Truth: That EVERY locked-up, weed-filled, withering life can bloom and grow again with the help of a little magic.

Now I am not talking about the kind of magic that needs a wand and a trick top hat. I am talking about a dig in, make room, prune away, work on, water well, weed, and feed your soul kind of life-tending magic that I can’t wait to share with you here on this podcast.

“Where you tend a rose…a thistle cannot grow.” - The Secret Garden

Listen (you should really listen), a Well-Tended Life is not a set it and forget it life, nor is it a perfect life. It is worked on every day, in the sunshine and through the storms. And the truth is, what worked in our life-gardens last season, may not work in the next. That’s why here at The WTL, we will be interviewing people who have grown and bloomed true in a variety of seasons and are willing to share their well-tended wisdom and weed-whacking advice with us!

It’s not about becoming perfect.

It’s about becoming more aware, more rooted, and more intentional—one small step at a time.

And for a limited time this summer, the course is on sale HERE.

So if today’s conversation stirred something in you… this is a beautiful place to begin.