2024 - Week 41 - A Simple Practice

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

#Religion #Barbara J Faison

32:08

Did you know there’s an actual science to uncovering your hidden genius? It’s not about filling out a “dream job” worksheet—it’s about understanding how your brain is wired, identifying your natural aptitudes, and using them to thrive. This isn’t just a self-discovery exercise. It’s a game-changer for your career, your relationships, and how you show up in the world. Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison are redefining how we approach career discovery, proving that finding the right path isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about creating a life that aligns with who you actually are. ✅ Betsy Wills – Cofounder of YouScience, a groundbreaking psychometric assessment platform reshaping how we understand our talents. She’s also the Director of Marketing & Branding at Diversified Trust and a frequent lecturer at Vanderbilt University and NYU’s Stern School of Business. ✅ Alex Ellison – Founder of Throughline Guidance, a global college and career counseling practice. She’s a sought-after writer, speaker, and expert in college readiness and career development. ✅ Together, they co-authored Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents. Discovering your hidden genius isn’t just about career success—it’s about tapping into what makes you, you . Connect with Betsy & Alex: Website (Free Downloads): www.yourhiddengenius.com Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/your-hidden-genius-elizabeth-m-willsalexandra-ellison Related Podcast Episodes: How To Be You, But Better with Olga Khazan | 288 Finding Purpose Through Human Design with Emma Dunwoody | 228 195 / Finding (And Using) Your Voice with Amy Green Smith Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

大约1年之前 6:19

MP3•单集首页

All the links - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON

2024 - Week 41 - A Simple Practice

This is an episode where I share a simple practice you can use to stay grounded.

If you are new to my podcast, welcome! If you’ve been listening, I say thank you. I say thank you to anyone that takes the time to listen. I appreciate you!

There is a grounding technique that helps with anxiety and connecting you to the present moment. It's called the 5 4 3 2 1 Technique. It’s one I know and use, so I thought I would share it with you so it may be something you can put in your practice toolkit.

Here's an example how it goes.

Notice

5 things you see.

• I see rosebushes, river, birch trees, a red cardinal, a lounge chair, and a white truck

4 things you touch:

• My chair

• My hand to my heart

• My cell phone

• My yoga mat

3 things you hear

• Cars passing by

• Someone cutting their

• A plane flying overhead

2 things you smell.

• The heat

• My hand lotion

1 thing you taste.

• A ginger mint

This 5 4 3 2 1 practice can help you and I encourage you to practice. So let’s do a simple practice now where we do the 5 4 3 2 1 technique.

A great time to use this technique is when you know or begin to feel agitation in your body that may feel like anxiety or if you don’t feel grounded or solid in your body. You can also do a few short breaths in through the nose or mouth and a long exhale through your mouth. Having quick techniques you can use is one way to manage your emotions and your responses to life, well, lifing. lol.

What’s something you do to manage your emotions and feelings? I’d love for you to leave a comment, observation or reflection where you are listening to this podcast.

If you’d like to share your thoughts with me - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.

The card I pulled for us in this moment is the number 6 QUESTION Card..

The VISION for my life is CLEAR and I move with EASE and GRACE

I love this reminder. Thanks, cards!

1487集单集

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

2024 - Week 41 - A Simple Practice

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

published 大约1年之前

MP3•单集首页

All the links - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON

2024 - Week 41 - A Simple Practice

This is an episode where I share a simple practice you can use to stay grounded.

If you are new to my podcast, welcome! If you’ve been listening, I say thank you. I say thank you to anyone that takes the time to listen. I appreciate you!

Here's an example how it goes.

Notice

5 things you see.

• I see rosebushes, river, birch trees, a red cardinal, a lounge chair, and a white truck

4 things you touch:

• My chair

• My hand to my heart

• My cell phone

• My yoga mat

3 things you hear

• Cars passing by

• Someone cutting their

• A plane flying overhead

2 things you smell.

• The heat

• My hand lotion

1 thing you taste.

• A ginger mint

This 5 4 3 2 1 practice can help you and I encourage you to practice. So let’s do a simple practice now where we do the 5 4 3 2 1 technique.

What’s something you do to manage your emotions and feelings? I’d love for you to leave a comment, observation or reflection where you are listening to this podcast.

If you’d like to share your thoughts with me - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.

The card I pulled for us in this moment is the number 6 QUESTION Card..

The VISION for my life is CLEAR and I move with EASE and GRACE

I love this reminder. Thanks, cards!

1487集单集

#Religion #Barbara J Faison

所有剧集

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

1
2025 - Week 16 - Fun Times 9:51

9 hours之前9:51

9:51

All the links - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON This is a podcast about fun times. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. Remember a few weeks ago I talked about the importance of discovering what fun looks like for me now? If not, you can check out episode number 12 called More Fun. Well, this weekend was action packed with fun and delightful experiences! A few weeks ago, I set the intention, and that is what happened this weekend. I experienced more fun and delight than I have had in a very long time. On Friday, I went out back out salsa dancing with my salsa crew to celebrate our friends Bonnie and Leticia. In episode 13, Creating Memories, I talked about having fun with my Salsa crew, we've been dancing together for decades. Check it out! Let me give you a little background on Bonnie. Bonnie is the friend who always takes the time to send you a card in the mail for your birthday. Bonnie believes that your birthday is your own personal holiday. Over the decades that we've been dancing SalsA together, she is going to make sure that we have a great time, and that everyone knows we are celebrating your birthday. Bonnie is also the friend who when I would have workshops or programs, when she was able to attend, she would be there early, support my efforts, and stay late to help me clean up. That's who Bonnie is. So we wanted to make sure she had as much fun for her own birthday that we have on ours. You guessed it, we had a blast! We danced, we laughed, we reminisced over previous decades of dancing together, and it was just a beautiful time filled with friendship, fellowship, and fun! On Saturday, I went to my crochet group Creative Expression Crochet Group for the first time this year because my work schedule didn't align with our meetings until then. There were about 21 people there and we had quite a few new people who had become regulars since my last visit. It was a reminder of how things change quickly. I so enjoyed crocheting a daisy flower and I made it a purse charm. Then on Sunday, I had brunch with my husband, TD, and our youngest son, Dewayne. What made this really special was that he invited us to breakfast and treated us. Big smiles! So the whole concept of having fun was amplified this weekend. If you've listened to my podcast, there is usually some type of practice or activity involved. I say let's engage in the more fun practice. I mean what we focus on expands, right? So let's focus on being open to more fun, and having delightful experiences. Will you join me?…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

1
2025 - Week 15 - Life Maintenance 12:03

7天之前12:03

12:03

ALL LINKS - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. This podcast is about maintenance. Maintenance is essential to living. One thing I've learned is that whatever is important to me has to be maintained. Health, relationships, finances, home, car, you get the picture, right? The last few months I’ve cleaned out the refrigerator, the freezer, the pantry, the cutlery drawer, my office and more. Sometimes I listen to a podcast as I’m cleaning/organizing, other times I just clear in the silence. Going through what felt like a myriad of food storage containers is what inspired this podcast. I asked myself questions like: Do I need all of these containers? Which ones should go in the front of the cabinet? Should I throw this one out? What happened to my smaller containers? Each time I straighten out this particular cabinet, I do my best to make it even more efficient for me when I'm looking for something. There’s a part of me that thinks that if I do that I won’t have to straighten it again. Right? Lol Maintenance is a required part of life, at least it is for me. The cabinet, the car, my relationships, my finances, you know… all the things . Life requires maintenance. I also recently cleaned out my car and reorganized and released extra napkins, condiment packets and other stuff that I didn’t need to keep in the car. I am very proud that I donated 3 boxes of books to the local library. I admit I have a few things I just can’t seem to though.. Including a laminated map of metro Atlanta. lo The card I pulled for us today is the #1 TRUST - I am SAFE and all is well in my world Press your feet into the floor right now and repeat, “I am on solid ground. All is well.” Oh, I'm also offering a 25% discount on my card deck with free US shipping. You can order at barbarafaison.com/store , you'll see the card deck there. Use promo code, SHIP25. Thanks for the support. The Breathe with Barbara LIVE session s for this April are on Wednesdays, 4/9 & 4/16 from 8 - 9 PM eastern via Zoom. I would love to have you join us. All of the links are in my LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON .…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 14-Tools - Part 5🥰 Inbox 13:24

14天之前13:24

13:24

ALL THE LINKS: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. This is an episode about more tools; using self-massage and your breath. I hope you are discovering ways to connect with your body daily. Checking in with how you feel in your body is a practice all on its own. If you've been following me on any of the social platforms, you may be aware that I offer something called Breath Breaks . It's usually 1 to 2 minutes where I encourage you to stop during the day, take a few deep intentional breaths, or just be fully present with what is happening in that moment. That simple practice is a great way to learn more about what your body needs in the moment. If we allow it, life can be extremely busy and active and we can wake up and before we know it, we're going to bed and starting the cycle all over again. This sounds like a recipe for stress to me. In my 2025 podcast episodes 6, 7, 8 and 11 I shared the tools of breath, grounding, gratitude and using affirmations. Be sure to check them out. The tool for this episode is a twofer. Actually, we use three tools in one practice. We will practice self massage using the calming point, deep breathing and calming affirmations. Let's take a moment to check in with your body right now. How are you feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally in this moment? On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being very stressed and one being very relaxed, what number would you pick right now? Let’s get ready to settle your body down and tune into the present moment. I hope you enjoy my Settling Down meditation where you will use a self-massage, breathing and affirming phrases to bring your body to a calmer state. The meditation is 8:37 mins.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

1
2025 - Week 13 - Creating Memories🥰 11:40

21天之前11:40

11:40

All links - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON This is the podcast about creating memories. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. On Saturday I went out salsa dancing with my salsa crew for the first time in 2025. Jartu and Bonnie are a part of my salsa crew that I met while dancing and we have traveled to various places including Puerto Rico together. When we go out we can have as many as 10 others that join us ...and that's our salsa crew. At the party, Jamie, one of our regulars, asked how many decades we had been dancing together. Yes, I said decades. We've all gone back-and-forth about when we officially met so it can be either two decades or three decades, depending upon who you ask. Lol. We have celebrated birthdays, marriages and all the things that happen over decades of knowing each other. We were celebrating Jartu's 50th birthday and we wanted to be sure she had a good time and to create a lasting memory for her birthday. The music was great and the dancing was awesome. We also saw people we hadn't seen in for a long time. Mission accomplished! Lately, I've been thinking about memories and experiences I've had. Salsa dancing has been one of my go to memories. Back in the early 2000's our crew would be out dancing several times a week. When I told several people from New York I would be there for a writers conference they said I had to go to the Copacabana night club to dance. I also visited a friend, Darrell, who lived in Brooklyn and was a chef. He invited me to his restaurant and afterwards I took the train to go to the Copacabana. Yes, I took the subway to the nightclub and went dancing by myself in NY. One thing I've learned about the Salsa community is that they embrace you wherever you are so I knew I would have a great time. I connected with some dancers when I got there and had a fantastic time. It was about 1 AM when I started heading back to the hotel and I was exhausted. I got off at the wrong subway station and found myself walking in a circle. I eventually found a cab and got to the hotel which was very close to where I was. Lol. Now that was quite a memory. I laugh about it now, at the time I was exhausted and grateful to find a cab that would take me there. Memories can be powerful. We can use our memories to help us shift how we feel. I am doing this more often these days. Let's do a quick practice I call Go To Memory, to bring up a memory that you can go to when you need to shift your energy to something light or fun. Enjoy this excerpt from my audio program on the Insight Timer App, Five Mindful Ways to Struggle Less and Enjoy Life More .…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 12 - MORE FUN! 8:42

28天之前8:42

8:42

All LINKS - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON This is an episode about connecting and FUN! In episode 2025 – Week 4 I talked about fun. It was the weekend I got to hang out with 10 wonderful ladies I have connected with over the past 10 years at a gathering we have several times during the year. We shared our accomplishments from 2024 and our desires for 2025. I shared that I was open to more fun and understanding what that meant at this stage in my life. Being in the early years of my sixth decade on this earth definitely has me pondering and prioritizing things differently. I still have my part-time job at the local library and I have some voiceover work that is satisfying and I am open to what brings me fun at this time in my life. Last week I finished the improv class I started in January and it was enjoyable. The class definitely taught me to be MORE in the moment and to think quickly. I don’t feel a desire to move on to the next level. Was it fun for me? Hmmm. Good question? I think it a was necessary experience. I’ve had some experience with theater from high school and in my 20’s and 30’s so maybe it felt like… I’ve been there…done that before to some degree. One thing I know about myself is I like to try new things and repeating myself feels redundant. So as I continue to be open to new experiences I reflect and note that fun can be crocheting a shawl for my dear friend Bonnie’s mom, who has gifted so many people with her handmade pillows. Fun can also be completing a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle in three sittings and feeling relaxed and accomplished. What I'm beginning to realize is that fun for me is often hanging out with people I enjoy spending time with and this may be family or friends. This weekend I hung out with two delightful friends, Susan and Jennifer. We enjoyed Ethiopian food at a local restaurant, called Desta. The ladies and I described the food as a "spiritual experience." Yes, it was that good! The flavors, the combinations of the warm and cool food, and the service was STELLAR. We laughed and enjoyed connecting in person for the first time in close to two years. We have a text thread where we share what’s happening in our lives, funny videos and support each other when needed. It was way too long since we had been together , in person, so we already have our next outing planned for June. Yes, I had a ball…and it was definitely fun. Sometimes we feel that as adults it may be challenging to make new friends. I am here to tell you that when we open our mind, body and our spirit up to make connections, connections happen. I met Susan through my connection with Kym and I met Jennifer through my connection with Susan. Look at that. I’m going to share the mini meditation I shared in episode 4 to help focus on fun. The mind loves to answer questions, so let’s do a simple practice. Close your eyes if you aren’t driving or operating heavy equipment. Lol. Take a few breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax your shoulders as you breathe at your own pace. Give yourself permission to remember a time when you had fun. Ask yourself these questions: When I recently had fun I was ________? What was I doing when I was having fun? Who was I with when I had fun? Where was I when I was having fun? Sit with these questions and remind your subconscious mind to remind you of the answers later. I’ll give you a few moments in the silence to breathe and receive. As you are returning to this moment, say aloud, “Subconscious mind, please remind me of the answer to my questions about having fun.” Return back to this moment and into your body. Take a deep breath in through your nose. And a loud exhale out your mouth. Take a look around you. Say aloud one more time, “Subconscious mind, please remind me of the answer to my questions about having fun now or later. Did anything come up for you? If not, asking the question is planting a seed so be ready to receive an answer you least expect it.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 11 - Tools - Part 4 8:27

5 weeks之前8:27

8:27

All the links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON This is the podcast about using affirmations for increasing your confidence. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. If you're interested in learning about the other tools for living that I've covered, check out, episodes, six, seven, and eight. A few weeks ago, I mentioned embracing change. Which if you lived any life, you know is the only constant you can count on. Lol. In July 2023 I started a part-time job as a library assistant at my local library. My father was a librarian at one of the local high schools as well as the neighborhood I grew up in. Just a little background information and I know that really informed my love of reading, books, and learning. At our library and Stockbridge, GA we are a passport processing facility. When I first started, I was asked if I was interested in becoming a passport agent. I declined because I only work 20 hours a week and I was also heading up the crochet group which met twice a month and the seniors computer class that met once a week. I felt like that was enough. Well, here comes change. Our Director mandated that everyone that worked at our branch needed to be certified in processing passports. So all of us had to go through the training. We have all completed and passed our training. And like most things in life, we gain our confidence by doing. And I'm also a believer that it's important to remind myself of who I am and my abilities. I’ve been using some form of affirmations since the 1990s. LoI Just thinking about the 90s makes me laugh. I've created quite a few affirmation tracks, here's one that I've been listening to to remind me to be confident. I hope you enjoy these affirmations for confidence.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 10 - A Tribute 6:56

6 weeks之前6:56

6:56

ALL LINKS: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2025 - Week 10 - A Tribute This podcast is a tribute to my favorite poet, Nikki Giovanni and my English teacher, Mrs. Maureen DeLoach from Albany High school in Albany, GA. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. In this episode, I'm doing something different, offering a tribute to my favorite poet, Nikki Giovanni and my English teacher Maureen DeLoach who really introduced me to poetry. I believe it was in the 10th grade when my English teacher at Albany High School, Maureen DeLoach, had us write poetry. I believe she listens to my podcast, I know she follows me online. That class in English opened me up to a world of writing. So it really is a tribute to Mrs. DeLoach and to Nikki Giovanni. My father, Moses Faison, was a librarian at the local branch on Lee Street in Albany, Georgia and also at Monroe High School. He was an avid reader. He mostly read non-fiction and I remember when he came home with a book of poetry called Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day, it was by Nikki Giovanni. I don't remember exactly when, I suspect it was when I got the assignment from Mrs. DeLoach to write a poem. And boy did I write. Poetry became my jam. I moved from poetry to short stories and then eventually I wrote my personal development book, Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes years later in 1999. I fell in love with poetry and read her works and so many others. That book sparked something inside me. Nikki Giovanni passed in December 2024 and when I asked for my divine download about the podcast this week, she was heavy on my mind for some reason. In this tribute, I will share a few of my favorite poems from Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day . Sharing this tribute to Mrs. DeLoach and Nikki, Giovanni was actually also a tool. Reading poetry can be calming and a stress reliever. Thank you again, Mrs. DeLoach and Nikki, Giovanni for both of you, sharing your gifts with the world. Who are some of your favorite poets? If you’d like to share your thoughts - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. If social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best. The card I pulled for us today from my Relax, Listen and Trust Your Inner Guidance Card Deck #8 QUESTION - What is one thing that will make me smile? One thing that will make me smile is the life I get to live. I feel so grateful for my family, friends, the people that listen to this podcast and my other offerings. I am deeply grateful. If you would like to order a card deck, you can go to barbarafaison.com/store and look for the cards. Our Breathe with Barbara LIVE sessions for March are on the 12th and the 19th, from 8 - 9 pm eastern. You can find out more by going to barbarafaison.com/store and look for live sessions. All the products in my store have a 10% discount and free US shipping, including live meditation sessions.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 9 - Embrace Change 7:24

7 weeks之前7:24

7:24

This is an episode about embracing change. And embracing change I'm giving myself a break this week from tools and a brand new podcast. And that does include the card pull I'd love to hear your thoughts. It's amazing how things come back around. Week 9 - Embrace Change You probably got up this morning and got dressed. You may have showered, brushed your teeth, eaten breakfast, driven to work, read the newspaper, and had a cup of coffee or tea. You have already been through at least six changes. Every moment is a new change, every second is different from the last one. Change is a natural part of the life cycle. Learning to embrace change is a major step toward peace of mind. Imagine seeing an old friend whom you loved dearly and giving him/her a loving hug. Think of this image the next time you have to handle a major change in your life. Picture yourself opening your arms and welcoming the opportunity to grow. Change will show up at your door regardless of how you feel about it. Learn to open the door and welcome your new friend, CHANGE, with a warm embrace. Practice : Think of all the things that change in one hour. If you are having difficulty accepting change, repeat the affirmation, “I am open and willing to accept change in my life.” Affirmation : I trust the process of life and I easily flow with change. End of excerpt. I hope you enjoyed the Embrace Change excerpt from my book/eBook/audiobook, Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes . I changed the flow of this newsletter/podcast for this episode to remind myself to mix things up.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 8 - Tools - Part 3 9:01

8 weeks之前9:01

9:01

All the links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON AUDIO - I'd rather listen - 8:29 mins 2025 - Week 8 - Tools Part 3 You can listen to this on my podcast - 8:29 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only) This is an episode about grounding yourself in the present moment. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. it's been somewhere around 30 years since I started meditating. I started slow and then made a daily practice. I believe having meditation as a practice has helped me navigate life in a more intentional and calm way. I believe meditating, really helped me avoid a lot of things, including having a lot anxious feelings. Unless you're living under a rock, you can see that there's a lot going on in the world right now. Using tools and practices is one way i manage my emotions during these interesting times. lol We are on part three of tools for a living. So far I've covered breathing in week one and the practice of gratitude in week two . The tool for this week is a grounding practice. What is grounding? Grounding is a practice that relaxes your mind and body and helps you stay in the present moment. You see your mind is designed to protect you. It is actively paying attention to everything that is going on. It's noticing and calculating how to keep you safe. When you practice grounding yourself, you become connected to what is happening right now and that allows your mind to focus. The beautiful thing about the mind is that you can tell it what to do. That itself is a Practice . Scientist have studied the brain and we know that the brain is dynamic and we can actively help it. I say: Train your brain, Be kind your mind, Pay attention to what you think about and how you feel. I heard from somewhere that if you name your mind and talk to your mind it is really a good way to train yourself to stay focused. I call my mind, Gracie . I talk to her like I would talk to a person and example is when I'm about to get to bed, while in bed i say, "Gracie, I appreciate all you've done for me this day. It's time to relax and go to bed. You have done enough today."…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

1
2025 - Week 7 - Tools Part 2 8:29

9 weeks之前8:29

8:29

This is an episode about using gratitude as a tool and a practice. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. I'm doing a series on tools for living and last week I talked about the first tool in the tool kit, breathing. Were you able to take 10 deep breaths at some point in time during the day? If not, maybe give it a try this week. Set a reminder on your phone to stop and take 10 deep breaths, your mind and body will love you for it. Practicing gratitude is the second tool. Gratitude is a simple practice that helps you feel better, stress less and can improve your overall health. Yep, that’s from studies on the power of gratitude and I love that we now have tangible proof of the benefits. Last year I talked about the science behind gratitude. You can find out more in 2024, episode 38 . One of the biggest things I have discovered about gratitude is how I feel when I come from a place of appreciation. Physically I feel my body shift from frustration to a more relaxed state when I choose to appreciate what is happening. I don’t have to like what is happening AND if I accept it and shift my thoughts to being grateful, it makes a huge difference in my next steps. I make clearer decisions when I practice gratitude. One of my beliefs is that all timing is just right. And if I believe that, what is happening RIGHT now is just righ t. Being grateful and saying two simple words, thank you is a powerful practice. So I say thank you. All . Day . Long . Thank you is my go to mantra during the day. Do I get frustrated? lol Yes, I do. And because I have practiced saying thank you so much, it is natural for me to think it and/or say it out loud. Thank you . Thank you . I smile as I say those words. And I feel my body shifting from frustration to appreciation. If you've listened to any of my podcasts, you know what time it is. It's time to practice lol. In this gratitude practice, start thinking of what you are grateful for in THIS moment and we will speak those out loud with enthusiasm. I’m going to share a few things that I am grateful for in this moment as an example of this gratitude practice. I feel so grateful to be mobile and able to exercise regularly. I am so grateful that I have the ability to think and make sound decisions. I give thanks for my supportive husband, my brother and my family and friends. Thank you for access to healthy food. Thank you for my creative approach to cooking. I love having a flexible work schedule. I am so grateful for ideas. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Now it’s your turn. Are you ready? Let's do it! Let’s take a few deep breaths to ground you in the present moment. Place both hands in the center of your chest, you may stack them on top of each other or place them side-by-side or whatever way feels best in this moment. You will take a breath in through your nose and a loud, exhale out your mouth, and will do that three times. Deep breath in, and exhale. Deep breath in, and exhale. Last time, deep breath in and exhale time. Start with your gratitude practice by saying out loud what you are grateful for in this moment with enthusiasm. You can just say thank you as well. I’ll be back shortly to close the practice. I'm back. How was that for you? That was a simple gratitude practice. Take a moment to notice how you feel in your body. If you have an adjective that comes up, say that out loud right now. For me, it is loving. One of the benefits of gratitude is that it helps us use negative language less. I think that's a pretty good benefit. What about you? I'm grateful that I started this podcast back in 2017 on a whim. What are you grateful for in this moment? If you’d like to share your thoughts - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. If social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 6 - Tools - Part 1 6:36

10 weeks之前6:36

6:36

All Links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2025 - Week 6 - Tools Part 1 You can listen to this on my podcast - 6:36 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only) This is an episode about a simple tool you can use to stay grounded and focused. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. Are you feeling it? What's it? All of the energy that is swirling around the world right now. I mean between the weather and politics, and don't forget the stuff we have going on in our own personal lives, there's a lot going on. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have something going on personally. One thing I have learned in over 30 years of having strategies & practices for managing my life is that having and using my tools is important. One of my dear friends, Kym Kennedy, reminds me of this often. Whenever I have a conversation with her and I start complaining or expressing my frustration, she will ask me a simple question. If you have listened to me, you know I love a good question. “Are you using your tools?” lol. So simple and yet so profound. I know this and much of the time I do use my tools. And there is nothing like a good reminder though, right? My guidance is telling me to share tools, tips and techniques that might be helpful for these changing, uncertain times. Let’s also remember that much of what we think is certain, isn’t really certain, it just may feel that way. We may be habitually doing things and that feels certain, yet, is it really? Let’s start with something you likely can do a few times a day. Set a reminder on your phone to take 10 deep breaths a few times during the day. You can even change the word “alarm” on your phone to “take 10 deep breaths.” When it pops up, STOP and take the 10 deep breaths. Why don’t we try that now. Place one hand on the back of your neck. And one hand in the center of your chest. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Enjoy this throwback video from 2020 where I shared this practice. https://youtu.be/JYHJVvZTPsk…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 5 - More Snow 12:25

11 weeks之前12:25

12:25

2025 - Week 5 - MORE SNOW! You can listen to this on my podcast - 11:48 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only) 2025 - Week 5 - MORE SNOW! This is an episode about MORE snow and things working out! If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. A few weeks ago we had snow in the metro Atlanta area. I talked about this in episode three, Snow . One reason I like it when it snows is that it shuts much of the city down. For the most part, Atlanta is not really equipped for major snow, although we have upped our game a little bit in that area. Lol We tend to get snow, which turns to black ice so it's dangerous for people to be on the roads. The news and weather specialists recommended that you stay home unless you had to be out on the roads. You don't have to tell me but one time. Lol. I mentioned before that my gentle reminder from winter is: Winter requires rest. Winter is about taking in stillness. Winter is time for introspection and reflection. Here is a little reflection. The first snow was on Friday, January 10th and most of the major businesses in my area were closed that Friday and Saturday. And I didn't have to work either days. My birthday was coming up on the 22nd and I thought about scheduling a massage and for some reason I kept putting it off. I kept getting interrupted or ran out of time when I sat down to schedule the appointment. I’ve just learned to trust this feeling. On Friday the 17th, my husband, TD, ended up in urgent care with a stomach virus or food poisoning. Two days later on the 19th, I was in urgent care with stomach issues. Maybe that was why I didn't schedule that massage like I intended. Lol. My job at the local library was closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day on Saturday and Monday, so I had plenty of time to relax, be still, and BE with my body recovering. And guess what happened next? On Tuesday the 21st, we got our second round of snow. I was off work until Friday the 24th. I believe that's the first time I actually had snow on my birthday. It was beautiful, I enjoyed looking at it from the window. Lol I love how things worked out so that I could have time at home to relax and allow my body to heal from the stomach issues. I did a lot of sleeping, resting and being grateful for the downtime due to the second round of snow. I reflected over having seven straight days to allow my body to recover and I love the reminder that things are always working out for me. Like magic! I love when things work out like that! I hope you enjoy this track I created last year called Things Are Always Working Out For Me. How was that? Do you trust that things are always working out for you even when it doesn't seem obvious? Leave a comment observation leave a comment, observation, or, reflection where you're listening to this podcast. If you’d like to share your thoughts - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. If social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best. The card I pulled for us today from my Relax, Listen and Trust Your Inner Guidance Card Dec k #11 TRUST - I am ENOUGH and WORTHY of LOVE Loving yourself and reminding yourself of this simple fact is not a ONE and DONE . Choosing to love yourself and know that you are worthy of love in an ongoing practice. Maybe put a reminder in your phone to pop up with this affirming thought. If you’d like to order a card deck, you can go to barbarafaison.com/store and look for the cards. You can use SHIP10 for free shipping and 10% off the card deck. Our Breathe with Barbara LIVE sessions for February are on the 12th and the 19th , from 8 - 9 pm eastern . You can find out more by going to barbarafaison.com/store and look for live sessions. You can also use SHIP10 for 10% off anything in the store. RELAX, LISTEN AND TRUST YOUR INNER GUIDANCE CARD DECK ORDER YOUR DECK(S)…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 4 - FUN! 6:39

12 weeks之前6:39

6:39

All Links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2025 - Week 4 - FUN! You can listen to this on my podcast - 7:24 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only) This is an episode about FUN! If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. My great nephew, Aiden, turned 6 years old on January 3rd this year. My brother, Tony, his wife, Pat and his daughter, April and I drove down to the birthday party in Tampa, FL that was at the Sky Zone. The glee and awe children exuded while playing was a great reminder not to take life too seriously. I need as many reminders to have more fun as I can get. This weekend I got to hang with 10 beautiful ladies at our gathering called Kym’s Coffee and Conversations. We reflected on 2024 and what was important to us about the year. A few things I shared were my voiceover projects that offered accessibility for the visually impaired along with enjoying teaching crochet and a senior computer class at my job at the library. As I was sharing I got to thinking about how I want to have more fun in 2025. I also shared that I wasn’t sure what was fun for me at this stage of life. Since we met on Saturday, I’ve had the idea of having fun on my mind. The mind loves to answer questions, so let’s do a simple exercise. Close your eyes if you aren’t driving or operating heavy equipment. Lol. Take a few breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax your shoulders as you breathe at your own pace. Give yourself permission to remember a time when you had fun. Ask yourself these questions: When I recently had fun I was ________? What was I doing when I was having fun? Who was I with when I had fun? Where was I when I was having fun? Sit with these questions and remind your subconscious mind to remind you of the answers later. I’ll give you a few moments in the silence to breathe and receive.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 3 - Winter Snow 7:51

13 weeks之前7:51

7:51

All the LINKS: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2025 - Week 3 - Winter Snow You can listen to this on my podcast - 7:24 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only) This is an episode about snow. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. When I went to work on Thursday. The first thing my coworkers told me when I arrived at the library was, "you know we're closed on Friday and Saturday for snow.' The meteorologist had been updating their predictions of snow all week. It started out with 30% chance at the beginning of the week and then moved up to about 70% chance by the end of the week. I laughed and said, I'll take it . I've been sharing with my meditation group for years that I would love to have a few good snow days. We don't get snow often in the metro Atlanta area. What I observed about myself, is having a few shut down days really forced me to be more still. I know, I do get still, however I still could use more stillness in my life. Having the shut downs across the city means most people are not doing. When I woke up Friday morning, I thought to myself I wonder if there is snow. It was so quiet. I had forgotten how quiet snow was. I jumped up, like a kid, and looked out my bedroom window and saw the outside deck filled with snow. Insert sounds of glee. lol I dashed to the front door, opened it and saw the neighborhood filled with snow. It was gorgeous, and my front walkway was also filled with not snow, but ice. This was definitely going to be an inside the house day. TD and I stayed in our jammies all day relaxing, eating, watching TV, streaming and napping. Just what was needed. Saturday we got up to check out what was happening and drove around. We grabbed breakfast and went over to one of our favorite local parks that has a few lakes. We enjoyed walking on the crunchy ice at the bridge and taking a few pictures with the snow still hanging in the trees. My gentle reminder from winter. Winter requires rest. Winter is about taking in stillness. Winter is time for introspection and reflection. Enjoy a few moments of breath with me now. You may keep your eyes open for this practice, so close and if you desire. Let's take to two small sniffs of breath in through your nose with a long, exhale, like this, breathe in, another breath in and exhale. Let's do that two more times. Breath in, breath in, now, exhale. One final time, breath in, breath in, now, exhale. Return to your normal breathing. And as you breathe in breathe in peace. As you exhale release stress. Breathe in peace, release stress. What’s on your mind? Feel free to leave a comment, reflection, or observation where you're listening to this podcast. If you’d like to share your thoughts - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. If social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, our best.…

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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2025 - Week 2 - Introspection 8:13

14 weeks之前8:13