About Progress

"We don’t want or need to be perfect all the time. We need to be open to change and learning." If you're constantly berating yourself for falling short as a parent, I have fantastic news for you: You don't have to be a perfect parent to be a very good one. Parenting expert Georgia Anderson is on the show to share how research proves that a perfectionist parent is actually an ineffective--and unhappy--one. Instead, Georgia encourages this alternative: showing our kids that we aren't perfect, but that we will always work to repair our mistakes and keep trying. The way to do this? Georgia shares some phenomenal tips, including how showing yourself more compassion will transfer to your children, what to do when you see red, how we can use our bodies to change our emotions, and much more. Georgia was kind enough to share some big moments in her own life where she learned that perfectionism was holding her back as a parent, and how she squared her shoulders and moved forward during a traumatic change she and her family faced. Show Notes Georgia's Website, Instagram, and Facebook + her new THINK-DO CHALLENGE "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show Notes Joanna's Instagram and Website "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Action of any kind--even if it's small--makes that big difference of showing you that you're not giving your power away and your life away." We live in a world of experts, ones that make you constantly feel guilty or frazzled. But Sid Garza-Hillman is here to hold your hand, make you laugh, and somehow inspire you to be better anyway, all with the premise that doing the right things most of the time (MOTT) is a really beautiful way to live. If you're an "all-or-nothing" person and find yourself most often on the "nothing" side of the equation, that way of viewing the world isn't working for you. It's time for a different way of managing the person you want to become. Sid teaches how to break intimidating goals and life-changes down into smaller, more manageable steps. And the even better part? How our follow-through needs not be 100% in order to still create truer, longer-lasting change. Self-care is showing yourself kindness, and Sid reveals that doing so as a parent will make you a far better influence for your children. The kids will take notice of your changes and walk the talk, just like mom and dad. Show Notes Sid's Book, Website, Instagram and Facebook Most recent episode with Meg Fee "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"If I try to stamp [sadness] out, then I'm cutting myself off from happiness in many ways because it's part of the spectrum. The two things are not inseparable. You cannot have one without the other." I'm sure many of us can agree that our 20s were equal parts traumatizing and memorable. Meg Fee's writing has allowed thousands along the ride to her won experience of this transformative decade. Meg freely and beautifully shared her struggles to overcome deep sadness due to "Ned" (her Nasty Eating Disorder), amazing first dates, frustrating bad boyfriends, and terrible jobs, all with the backdrop of New York City. Listen to this episode to hear more about what Meg lost to and what she gained from sadness, how language and writing were always apart of her story, what she does to move forward without regret, and how life's many curves can take us to a place far more meaningful than we ever could have forged on our own. Meg teaches how we can better couple with the sadness that is often our lot in life and that by doing so, we create more room for happiness, too. Meg also shares some insight behind her new buzz-worthy memoir, Places I Stopped on the Way Home. It's a page-turner! Check the show notes below for more links, as well as how to stream the episode right here in your browser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“There are all sorts of ways for us to make a nice big mess and come out with something glorious in the end.” I knew Cori Connors growing up as the "Mom" of the neighborhood--the one always ready to laugh with instead of scold you, eager to cheer you on, and willing to sit with you when you're down. She is an angel to many, and she also has an angel voice backed by her record-selling songwriting abilities. Cori talks about how creativity cannot flourish while in the restraints of perfectionism; that in order to really get to the meat of who we are and the gifts we have, we need to get comfortable with being messy. Cori shares how we can better discover our talents and offer our own weirdness to the world with a bold confidence, one centered in love, curiosity, and imperfection. That's what Cori does, and she can tell you the truth--life is better messy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Those things I’m thinking or feeling are there to guide me, and I can trust what is going on inside of me and it will lead me to good.” Two years ago, Debbie Mayes and her family moved from a 5,000 sq foot home to a 200 sq foot remodeled bus and it changed everything. Here's the thing: it's not about the bus. It's about RECONNECTION. You see, the problem the Mayes family had was that they weren't as connected as a couple, as a family, or individually as well with their own emotions. Debbie and her husband, Gabriel, dove deep to repair what was broken for their household, and for them it meant allowing their emotions to act as beacons for self-healing and spending real quality time together as a family. So after listening to this interview, maybe you'll be interested in pairing your life down to the basics like the Mayes family did. Or perhaps you'll figure out how to better own the inner voices within you. Either way, Debbie and her team just want you to know that what's on the other side of this work is a much happier life. Show Notes The Mayes Team website, Instagram, and Facebook Bethel Podcast that Debbie referenced Last Week's Episode on COMPARISON Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here The Mama Ladder's High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know that using social media directly correlates with higher rates of depression and anxiety? I believe the root of why this is the case is COMPARISON. After all, comparison truly is the thief of joy. I hate imagining how many times in my life (both on social media and in real life) I've been too caught up in seeing what I lack in comparison to others, only to miss the incredible blessings right in front of me. I'm sure the number is countless. I know that comparison is the root of my history of eating disorders, depression, anxiety, shame, worry, etc. Related to that are my flaws: I can be a people pleaser, I want people to like me, and I often look to others to reflect back my worth. BUT, I also believe that discovering this tendency in myself to compare has been a huge blessing. It's something I can actually work on and move past towards a richer, fuller life. Overcoming the comparison trap is a lesson I've had to learn over and over again, because it's sneaky and masks itself as other things (examples: stress, anxiety, apathy, sadness, etc.). Today's podcast episode is all about comparison. I talk about how it crept up on me the past few months and directly influenced my confidence and my productivity, and how I almost quit everything podcast-related because of it. I also share what the comparison trap can look like for all of us, including how easy it is to get caught in it through social media, and teach WHAT we can do to shift our mindset away from comparison towards self-assurance. If you like this episode, please SHARE it, subscribe, and leave a review! Show Notes Last Week's Episode on FEAR The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, Facebook, High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! (+ About Progress episode with three of the artists behind it.) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You already have within you what you need." What's holding you back from going after a goal, business, or piece of self-improvement? I bet you a million dollars that we can take whatever reason you'd say and get it back to the real main root: FEAR. Crystalee Beck from The Mama Ladder is on the show to teach us about seven common fears people face on their way to success and how to overcome them. So whether you're a mama who wants to turn her hobby into a business, an empty nester who can't get out of a rut, or a single man who can't seem to find the courage to switch careers, this episode is for you. Listen in to hear how we can overcome fear in the form of self-doubt, fear of failure, fear of SUCCESS (yes, this is real!), fear of money, and more. Crystalee teaches that all you need to overcome your fears is already inside of you. Additionally, Crystalee shares an incredible opportunity for a mama who wants to get a business going with the High Five Grant. The Mama Ladder is hosting a contest to give 5K to a deserving mom-turned-entrepreneur. Let's make a winner an About Progress listener! (And if we do, I'll have the winner on the show!) Crystalee has kindly given our listeners her e-book on fear for FREE! Click here to get it. Show Notes The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, Facebook, High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners Last week's episode with Amber Runyon Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or consultations Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“People need three things to thrive: safe place, safe people, and safe purpose. We always forget that purpose piece” On a humanitarian trip to Ethiopia, Amber Runyon saw a big need--women and their families who were in the eleventh hour of suffering due to the effects of human trafficking. Imagine her shock when upon returning home, she discovered that her own city--Columbus, Ohio--was the fourth biggest city in the U.S. with human trafficking. What she first thought was a foreign problem was in her backyard--women who were sacrificing themselves to feed their children, with devastating outcomes. Amber wasn't going to have that. So this nurse became a founder of an incredible company, one that benefits victims of human trafficking, and in turn their families and larger communities, most domestic and abroad. Without any experience, but a lot of determination, Amber created a pathway out for those women by providing them with a save PLACE, PEOPLE, and PURPOSE. Amber talks about what her company does and how it helps those who are in darkness come back to the light. Amber also shares how she herself learned to create light in her own life after realizing she wouldn't want to be friends with herself. She now feels differently about that, and Amber teaches us how she got there. Be ready to be SUPER inspired by this incredible woman! Show Notes Eleventh Candle Co. Website (use the code "PROGRESS" to get 20% off!), Instagram, and Facebook Last week's episode with Andi Veenker Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The second you start doing something, you change your state.” Andi Veenker is a fitness wizard and self-help fanatic. But here's the best thing about her--she preaches that nothing will fix you (no book, no weight on the scale, no achievement, no nothing) UNTIL you love yourself first. And in order to find that self-love, you need to do something. (Does that sound familiar?) Andi is on the show to share how she learned to face depression head on by doing something about it as early on as possible (in contrast to her first round with postpartum depression). She teaches us how filling your life with daily small-to-great courageous acts will empower you to face those mental demons and create something spectacular with your life. Show Notes Andi's Instagram and Website Last week's episode on JOY Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Joy [is] a spiritual way of engaging with the world that's connected to practicing gratitude." ~Brene Brown If you've been working on happiness, get ready to up-level it to JOY. Joy is different than happiness. It's deeper and more eternal in nature and effect. It's earned through opposition. It's chosen and cultivated. And when the going REALLY gets tough, the good news is that "joy" will be there for us. In this episode, we go deep in discussing why joy is different and longer lasting than happiness, and how we can choose it by focusing on: 1) Keeping Perspective 2) Being Present 3) Maintaining a Practice of Gratitude Show Notes Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (affiliate amazon link) Last week's episode with Paul Cardall, Kenz Hall, and Charley Jenkins: Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We need to create something for someone else that they might not be able to create themselves." ~Charley Jenkins Surely, we can all agree that music has defined our lives from time to time--but what about save our lives? That's exactly what the Worth of Souls project and album is trying to do. Paul Cardall and a troop of incredible artists collaborated to create a movement designed to save people who are at the brink of complete despair, to pull them back from depression, doubt, anxiety, negativity, and worthlessness. Paul and two of his artists--Kenz Hall and Charley Jenkins--joined the podcast today to talk about the project and why they're passionate about it, the mission behind their songs, and how music has the unique ability to change--and even rescue--lives by reminding us all of our eternal value. Show Notes Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Paul's website, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook Kenz's website, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook Charley's website, YouTube, and Facebook PAST INTERVIEW WITH PAUL Last week's episode: Managing Our Thoughts to Find More Joy in Parenthood, with Lisa Andersen Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We can flip our thinking about our kids. They don't make us feel any certain way. It's us. We have that control." You want to know a magical trick for parenting? You're in charge. I know, revolutionary right? But really--you are in charge. However, not in the way you might think. Here's how: You're in charge of YOURSELF. Your thoughts, your emotions, and your actions. Regardless of what your kids do and who they are (after all you can do to teach them, of course!), only you can manage how you show up around your kids. It's not your kids' fault when you're up to your neck with stress, anger, bitterness, and anxiety about parenting them. That's on you! The good news is that because of this, you can actually shift how you feel about your kids and parenting--and you are truly capable of doing so. If you want more joy and less resentment/guilt in your parenthood journey, listen in to this episode with Lisa Andersen from @thrivingmotherhood. She is brilliant at instructing us how to better manage our thinking so that we find more fulfillment in our parenthood and by extension increase our capacity to better guide our children to manage their own thinking, emotions, and actions. Show Notes Lisa's Instagram Last week's episode: Overcoming the Complexities of Our Childhoods, with Rachel Nielson Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Think of your own child being that scared and how you would comfort them. Treat yourself with similar grace.” Rachel Nielson didn't realize how much her mother's long battle with cancer affected her childhood until it was affecting her adulthood, and badly. She found herself stuck in a terrible cycle of self-hatred and perfectionism, coupled with a Savior's-complex within her relationships. Years of therapy and growth taught Rachel how to move beyond the trauma of her youth and better embrace her present and, most importantly, herself. Rachel is on the podcast to teach us what we can do to move past the insecurities, bad relationships, poor influences, sadnesses, and traumas of our childhoods and better create the life we want to live. She also shares how she learned to embrace grace in how she views her parents and extend that grace to her own life as well. Show Notes Rachel's Website, Podcast, and Instagram Last week's episode: Are you Happy? Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let me ask you this: are you happy? Why is it that most of us would have a really hard time answering that question? Well, I have a lot of theories. People too often have the wrong idea of what happiness actually looks like (it's not rainbows and butterflies, people!), and they hinge it on their circumstances or others. I've been guilty of this. Oh, have I been guilty! (Sorry, husband, for all the times I made your responsible for my happiness!) So today's podcast is devoted to my thoughts on happiness--what it REALLY looks like, and three ways we can work on our happiness right now, right here. Show Notes Last week's episode: How to Find Real Strength in Vulnerability || with Preston Pugmire Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Weakness is pretending that you’re not feeling emotions, [and thereby] denying yourself of that humanity.” If you haven't heard of Preston Pugmire, get yourself acquainted quick. This "renaissance man" has a lot to say and it's going to change your life. Preston--a speaker, life coach, musician, and podcaster (Next Level Life)--teaches us how to free ourselves from shame, guilt, and perfectionism by tearing down the facades we've created and getting to the heart of who we truly are. In other words, VULNERABILITY. Preston himself knows what this looks like first-hand, as he unexpectedly had his own facade torn down and his true self become exposed. Living life more authentically has transformed everything for the better and Preston believes it can transform our lives as well. Preston speaks about how men in particular are imprisoned emotionally--and by extension, in every other way--by not allowing themselves to explore their real, authentic identity. For us all, Preston teaches how we can discover that our greatest strength comes from our vulnerability. Show Notes Preston's website, Podcast, Instagram, and Facebook community Last week's episode: Arming Kids Against Pornography Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We have to continually have those conversations because it normalizes the idea of talking about tough topics." Dina Alexander returned to the podcast to teach parents how to talk to our children about another hard topic: pornography. We first discuss what Dina has researched are the trends in pornography, including the average age of exposure, what your children are "learning" from porn, and how they are targeted by the industry. This information is essential to knowing better what our children are up against and HOW to better prepare them to make good decisions when they are faced with pornography (and the research shows, they will ALL be exposed to it at some point). Dina then shares a variety of ways to open the dialogue with children, first by using proper sexual education and then by empowering our kids to know the truth behind the porn industry--what false messages they teach, how they use teens as a primary target. We can then go into arming our kids to actively fight against the tides of culture and instead choose a life with healthy sexuality pursued at the right time. And we can do all of this without using guilt and shame. Ultimately, Dina teaches parents that the best thing we can do for our children is provide a family culture of open dialogue where no topics are off the table. And in turn, the effects are children who are better empowered to stand up and live their values. Show Notes Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books Educate and Empower Kids' book on pornography, books on body image, book on technology Dina's last interview on Body Image Last week's episode: Monica's birth story Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a follow-up to my interview with childbirth educator Laura Dugovic, here is the birth story of my sweet baby born on February 5th. (I share his name briefly on the interview, but won't be typing it up here as I guard my kids' names online.) You'll hear about what led up to the birth, what I did to help with the pain without using an epidural, and how Laura's resources and positive affirmations completely transformed this birth. Instead of feeling either traumatized or like a caged animal as I have in the past, I felt strong and centered. If you've been following along with me on Instagram, then you know that E had emergency surgery at 9 days old, just a few days after recording this episode. His intestines were twisted, which is life threatening as the bowels can quickly die. We returned home much sooner than we planned after six days total at the hospital, five of which were in the PICU. Thank you SO much for your many messages during this time, and most especially your prayers. We felt them and know that his surgery and outcome were miraculous. Show Notes: Laura's Website, Resources for positive affirmations, and Instagram Last week's episode on fighting terminal illness with Mandie Sherman Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I have learned that anything that I thought of myself, that I saw of myself, is not nearly the capacity that I truly am." Mikael Monson NEVER planned on homeschooling her four children; in fact, she was staunchly against it for some time. But when the inner call for her came to pull her kids out of public school and teach them from home, Mikael took a huge leap of faith and did just that. Mikael shares why homeschooling is the right fit for her family, how she does it, and what she has learned about standing firm with her convictions. Ultimately, she believes that if everyone listened and followed the voice inside them regardless of their own plans, they'll be made capable of meeting the challenges that come with the call. Show Notes: Mikael's Instagram and YouTube channel Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I don't think that 'acceptance' is an excuse to diminish yourself or to not hold yourself accountable to your best work . . . We should develop and expand and grow in whatever we feel called to do." Nesha Woodhouse is the director of Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy and came from a intensive background in honing one of her beloved gifts--dance. But Nesha learned in her own life--and now passes on to her students--that mastery of our gifts can only truly flourish if our motivation is to bless the lives of others and ourselves. This is in contrast to being driven by competitiveness, comparison, or approval-seeking. So many preach acceptance of self. While this is paramount to overcoming the challenges life throws at us, our souls also crave GROWTH. Nesha speaks on this important balance of seeking mastery of our gifts while also being driven by the right reasons--to more fully reach our own individual potential and bless the lives of others. Now as the director of hundreds of youth pursuing greatness, Nesha strives to help the develop this truth within themselves and to in turn share their gifts with the world. Show Notes Nesha's Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy Last week's episode with Dina Alexander on positive body image with children Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If we get so caught up in how we look, how our friends look, if we look good enough, we are missing the richness of life.” Dina Alexander is back to teach us how to combat the perfect images social media projects for the children in our lives. BOTH boys and girls are constantly infiltrated with pictures and ideas about what their bodies are supposed to be like, and how they can get them. Listen in to this conversation to learn how to create an open communication in your home where these tough topics can be fully explored. Equip yourself with ways to arm your children the knowledge and self-respect necessary to own a confident, grounded view of themselves and their bodies. Dina Alexander is the founder and president of Educate and Empower Kids (educateempowerkids.org), an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. She is the creator of Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image, How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelors from Brigham Young University. She is an amazing mom and loves spending time with her husband and three kids. Together, they live in Texas. Listen to this episode below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for "About Progress" wherever you get your podcasts. If you like the show, please subscribe!! Show Notes Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books Educate and Empower Kids' books on body image, and book on technology Dina's last interview on Technology Last week's episode with Mallory Wahlstrom Wright Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m getting my self-esteem from looking in . . . I have worth in my trying.” Although Mallory Wahlstrom Wright was an accomplished musician, dancer, and athlete, she suffered immensely from perfectionism-bred low self esteem. As a way to cope with never feeling like she measured up, she turned to controlling her body and her weight. Years of this behavior led to a crippled life that she wasn't sure she could make her way back from. A series of lows pushed Mallory to seek help, but the biggest tipping point was when her older brother needed a kidney transplant--and Mallory turned out to be the *perfect* match! Following the surgery, Mallory faced near-life-taking complications and faced a very hard recovery. Through it all, she gained a newfound appreciation for her body and her life. Mallory learned to seek inward and find her own unique light that she now shares from her dance and harp students, to our listeners. Show Notes: Last week's episode on overcoming fear with childbearing Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“My only approach is to love and strengthen all women, no matter what kind of birth they want to have.” Laura Dugovic had prepared for a meditative birth with her first child, but what she experienced was gritty, loud, sweaty . . . and still completely transformative. Laura is a doula and birth educator, but one who strives to help ALL women feel empowered to face birth with an attitude of a rockstar, regardless of what method they feel best suits them and their needs. In today's episode, Laura works with our host--Monica--in a smaller version of what she does with her clients in a typical session. She talks Monica through her deep-seated fears of birth and teaches her how to manage her thoughts so she is better prepared to face the upcoming birth of her fourth child. Show Notes: Laura's Website and Instagram Last week's episode on goals with Mandie Sherman Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"It doesn't get easier, but it gets lighter. It gets lighter because we get stronger . . . Your strength is going to help somebody else when they are weak." When we are facing especially hard times, we've all heard people say that things will get easier. Mandie Sherman disagrees. She knows from her lifelong struggle with cystic fibrosis--a terminal disease--that it's not that things get easier, it's that we get stronger. And with that strength, we are then obligated to help others where they are weak. Mandie's strength is evident throughout this interview as she frankly shares about what life has been like with a disease that consumes much of her day with constant treatments and monitoring. She is resilient--yes. Realistic--yes. But coupled with these qualities is an contagious optimism, a choice Mandie has made to face each day with strength AND softness. Surrounding her is what Mandie calls her "army," people who love, support, and take care of her. Mandie's hope is that we can learn more about cystic fibrosis and in turn join our own army of helping others make it through their own difficult time. We recorded this interview a few months ago, and Mandie spent most of December in the hospital, including a surgery to help her breathing. Please click on the links in the show notes to share some love with Mandie, get one of her shirts to join her "army," and donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Show Notes: Mandie's Instagram, Blog, and Get the "Mandie Tee" (or sweatshirt) and join the Sherman Army! Donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Last week's episode on goals with Tiffany Webster Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"When we attach anything to our goals--our happiness, worth, value, success--our goals are no longer out becoming . . .[they're] just about needing to achieve to feel something." Sick of never meeting your goals? Too overwhelmed to even make some in the first place? It's not your method that needs some revamping; it's your motivation. When you are a recovering perfectionist, you'll have a love-hate relationship with goals. On one hand, you could have a past of going over-the-top, full throttle and letting your goals dictate every moment of your life, only to ALWAYS feel like a failure; on the other hand, you could be so over feeling like a failure that it's too overwhelming for you to even begin making goals at all. Time to find some middle ground. Want to know the secret behind revolutionizing your goals so they actually work? You've got to define your "WHY" behind them. Tiffany Webster joins me in a conversation on this topic today. You can prop us both up as "failed perfectionists," and therefore experts on making the goals for the wrong reasons. In this episode, Tiffany and I speak about how to better direct your motivation behind self-improvement, find the fine line between self-love and self-improvement, and how to shift your views of both yourself and your goals so you are better set up for success. Show Notes: Tiffany's BOOK, website, Instagram, and Facebook Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"If you set aside other people's expectations, set aside the need for permission and live your most authentic self, life is a lot more freeing and you're making better decisions." Dina Taylor has faced many obstacles in her young life, but the two most recent--infertility and her 35-year-old husband's unexpected death--could have made her give up and give in. Not so, for Dina. Dina chose to persevere, and to do it her own way. Listen in to hear how Dina and her late husband, Dan, faced major health problems, infertility, and then a very difficult pregnancy together, how she picked up the pieces of her life after his tragic death ten weeks before the birth of their son, Jack, and the unique ways she chose to face grief and carry on. Dina also shares how she has found expanded love in her heart for a new life partner, Rick, and what has made all the difference for her the past 2 1/2 years. While this could have been a very heavy episode, instead Dina empowers us all to better face the struggles we each have by staying true to what is within us, listening to our hearts, and holding strong to what we know will best help us create the lives we want, not just in spite of our pasts but because of them. Show Notes: Dina's Instagram Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Just like you and I lived at the mall or lived at the football game on Friday night, a lot of our kids are living on social media . . . I want my kids to make their mistakes while still living with me. You want to give them parameters but also you want to give them the opportunity to make choices.” We all worry about the incessant draw that technology is having on our children these days. You see the debates on Facebook and hear the tense conversations amongst parents: How much tech-use is appropriate? How can we limit screen time? When should children be allowed to use technology? Before we can answer all that, however, we need to be asking the more appropriate question, as posed by Dina Alexander: "How can we empower our children to use technology responsibly and for good?" Dina is the founder of the non-profit Educate and Empower Kids, which strives to help parents "parent in the digital age" by preparing their children, not scaring them. She is an expert on so many hard topics we need to discuss with our children from technology, body image, to pornography. Today, she shares her well-researched views on what we can do to help our children learn to make wise choices with technology by building an open communication with them, one based on openness and love, not shame. Dina Alexander is the founder and president of Educate and Empower Kids (educateempowerkids.org), an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. She is the creator of Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image, How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelors from Brigham Young University. She is an amazing mom and loves spending time with her husband and three kids. Together, they live in Texas. Show Notes Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books Educate and Empower Kids' books on body image, and book on technology Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast is in response to an email I received from a listener who was frustrated that all my guests on the show are too "extraordinary." While thoughts swirled about me, I interviewed Melinda Peterson from Melinda Joy Writes to chat about how she has been writing a novel for ten years; but then we magically had a beautiful discussion on seeing the extraordinary within ourselves. Listen in to hear our conversation on this topic, my own expanded thoughts, my response to this email, as well as a highlight from one my "extraordinary-ordinary" friends--Brittney Hanks from Homegrown Traditions--who has encountered some tough failures as she and her husband navigate running a small business together. Excerpt from Melinda's email, following our interview (it's amazing!!): Show Notes Melinda's website, Instagram, and children-centered Instagram Homegrown Traditions website and Instagram Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It is that moment of complete 100% surrender that we step into that power we never had before.” Tiffany Webster knows a thing or two about surrender. As a lifelong perfectionist, life had a way of showing up and forcing her to slow down, and slow down hard: infertility, chronic illness, brain surgery, and poor mental health. That's just some of what Tiffany faced that helped her see she had to learn how to give in, look outward, and reach up--and in the process of doing that, she found greater strength than she ever knew possible. You might recognize Tiffany from her viral talk on perfectionism given at the Hope Works conference: "The Perfect Lie." Tiffany has recently released the most beautiful book--Embracing the Broken--that goes into great depth with what brought her to her lowest lows, the lessons she learned about the lies of perfectionism, and how we can rise above it. In this interview, we talk about this as well as how Tiffany deals with the messiness of progress, how we can stop wearing masks with each other, and what's on the other side of embracing the broken in your own life. Show Notes: Tiffany's BOOK, website, Instagram, and Facebook Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Comparison is evil . . . Any time you look at someone else's strengths that might be your weaknesses, you'll always come up short." 10 years ago, Tamarynn Bennett was 25 years old and had barely run more than a few miles at a time. So, she reasonably thought she would be a "one and done" with a marathon she signed up for. But after accidentally qualifying for Boston (!), she found herself drawn to the challenge and the thrill of racing. Like most athletes, Tamarynn has had her fair share of set backs and disappointments. From taking a full six years off of doing triathlons so she could focus on her family, to facing adrenal fatigue and injuries, to not being able to do races she had trained so hard for, Tamarynn has seen it all. Her persistence is admirable, but it's also reachable; Tamarynn likes to make it clear--she is ordinary and credits achieving these big goals just one step at a time and holding strong to the bigger picture. Tamarynn also discusses the personal trials her family has faced, and how they have both challenged and strengthened her commitment to what really matters. A big piece of that puzzle? Avoiding the trap of comparison and instead embracing the little progress we make each time we try, and then try again. Some recent good news since our interview was recorded: Tamarynn was not only able to finish the Chicago marathon she was nervous about completing due to an injury, but she also completed her first official Ironman!!!! Tamarynn described it as "magical." Congrats, Tamarynn!!! Show Notes: Tamarynn's Instagram Last week's interview with Lisa Funk Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We celebrated our year anniversary of the podcast a few weeks ago! To commemorate this time, I have a short, unedited, rambling State of the Podcast episode for you. In it, I share some of our stats, which episodes I think more people need to listen to, and where I see the podcast headed. Thank you for your incredible support!!! XO, Monica Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I meet a ton of people who say, ‘Oh I can’t do that, I'm not creative . . .' Maybe they will never find that painting or drawing fulfills them, but they ARE creative in the way that they solve problems, or put things together, or organize . . . We can think about creativity differently in that we are created to create.” For Lisa Funk, lettering (also know as calligraphy) isn't just about creating beautiful text--it's about purposefully living a life she loves. Lisa found that by honing her craft and mastering inspirational messages, she was able to better face her inner mental health battles. Lettering changed Lisa's life! Once she started sharing her gift, she was surprised how people didn't just want to know where they could buy her artwork, they wanted to learn how to do it themselves. That's how Lisa became an accidental businesswoman, and one steeped in the goal in improving lives, one letter at a time. Lisa discusses how creativity is innate in all of us and how learning to work hard to develop our gifts can change us as people. She shares more in depth about how her own struggles with depression and more have taught her the importance of self-care and mindfulness, and that an essential piece of facing our demons is growing our gifts. Finally, Lisa teaches us how we can find our own intentions in life and live them more purposefully. Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering, combines instruction on brush lettering as well as how to approach learning this craft in a mindful, meaningful way. On top of the instruction are 50 affirmations to "trace, ponder, and apply." Lisa's hope is that this book, "can be the creative outlet so many women are looking for and at the same time help them to live an intentional life they love!" You can find The Guide to Mindful Lettering here. Show Notes: Lisa's website, Instagram, and Facebook Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering Last week's interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Those that are most able to deal with their flaws, are most willing to be seen as human . . . That’s real moral courage, and that’s the kind of courage that sets us free." Have you ever heard the saying, "I am my own worst enemy?" If you've thought or said that about yourself, then this episode is for you. (And if you haven't, then this episode is also for you.) All of us carry the innate tendency to mask our own humanity--our flaws--from those we love, work with, and even ourselves. Doing so actually inhibits our growth, creates tension in our relationships, and leads to inner turmoil. The only way to get over all that is to get over ourselves. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife teaches us what this tendency looks like in action, and what we can do to fix it by facing our own flaws with compassion and true moral courage. She also helps us see what we get out of doing so: a life filled with challenges, certainly; but also a whole lot more love, fulfillment, and freedom. Show Notes: Jennifer's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's Facebook Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"With each thing I tried, every time it failed . . . I failed deeper and the problem got bigger. It got to the point where I no longer felt any control over it. I remember one day thinking, ‘I’m not going to try anymore.’” Julie Taylor was known online for being "real," but only she knew the truth--that she was hiding an addiction, and one especially riddled with shame: food addiction. Julie talks about the transformation she has been through the past few years of identifying herself as someone addicted to food, pursuing help for it, and how in time it made her far more real than she ever had been before. Julie's path unfortunately led her from one form of addiction to another--an obsession with perfection. One particular incident alarmed her husband: After accidentally having a bite of cheese while out to dinner, she sobbed for hours. Julie eventually decided that this other extreme way of living was making her just as unhappy as having no boundaries. The biggest key to Julie's TRUE healing arose as Julie came from a place of healing, rather than a place of punishment; from a place of wanting to change because she loved herself, not hated herself. Julie shares how this lesson can be applied to all of our weaknesses we need to work on, and how doing so will empower us all the better to finally see real results and lasting growth. Show Notes Julie's Instagram and Youtube channel Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I have worth and it isn’t always looking to the external to try to find validation, because that’s an endless competition that you’re never going to win. It doesn’t bring any happiness." Reachel Bagley is not your normal "fashion blogger." Sure, she has a fabulous sense of style--one that you're going to salivate over. But Reachel loves fashion because of what it can do to really transform someone's confidence, to help them feel more empowered to face their lives and their trials. She loves to really teach her clients and her followers what colors, cuts, and fits look best on their bodies, not just show her own polished outfits. (One of her mantras is: it's not that you aren't fitting into your clothes, it's that your clothes aren't fitting YOU.) Reachel knows what it is like to lack confidence, and in a really dark way. Her own sense of pride and love of her body took a beating after years of infertility. She saw her body as something to be punished, not loved, because of the way she saw it hurting her. But 10 years later and after a lot of work, Reachel has earned that love and acceptance of her body because she knows who she really is at her core. She knows that our worth isn't dependent on a size or a number on the scale--it's innate, and it will never change. Listen to learn about how Reachel came about this transformation, what she hopes to inspire in others, how she views fashion as a tool, how she got her start and developed her business into what it is today, and much more. Show Notes: Reachel's website, Instagram, and Facebook Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"By choosing your habits and staying with them, you are scientifically engraining them in your body . . . setting you on a pace that will help you achieve what you want to achieve." What do you get when you create the perfect mix of zen and science? Greg Karelitz, is what. Greg is the founder of the Positive Vibes Only Society (PVOS), a community with a mission to help people better live in the moment, backed up with science. As a touchstone, PVOSers sport a necklace that act as a physical reminder to live positively. Greg developed a fascination with the science behind positivity when he was at a big low: having just undergone a double hip surgery and with it a big life style change that eventually led to him experiencing anxiety attacks. He had his own necklace--the star of David--that helped him recenter during those moments. And perfectly, the hex in that symbol align with the shapes of the chemicals in our bodies that contribute to our happiness--chemicals that Greg was in the trenches of researching himself. This is how he was inspired to create not only the hex-shaped necklace, but the positive-focused society Greg leads today. Hear what Greg says about what he's learned about the science of positivity, how he got through his own dark times, what change he hopes to ignite in the world, how focusing on good habits contributes to our greater happiness, and how we can live in the moment even when we need to also deal with hard things. Greg is definitely an expert in this field, and it shows. Show Notes: Greg's website (new ladies-specific necklaces being offered!), Instagram, and Facebook Referenced interview with Andy Proctor Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You don’t really appreciate time unless you’re looking at a diagnosis like cancer. . . You don’t appreciate the time that you have until you know that there could potentially be an end date.” Danielle Stepp was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma--cancer--as a new mother of a three month old baby girl. Her treatment entailed 12 debilitating rounds of chemotherapy. As Danielle made her way through this very difficult period of her life, she held on to her family, her friends, and what she calls "Prayer Power" to help her arise above the immense hardships. She also used her fighting spirit and treated cancer like a bull, and Danielle "wrestled it to the ground." Now a year cancer free (!), Danielle looks back to see what helped her through this hard chapter, how cancer has changed her, and what she has learned about not taking time for granted. Show Notes: Danielle's blog Compassion that Compells Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think the reason we all suffer is because it makes us stronger—it’s a strength, it’s a gift in a way . . . I could not write the music that I write had I not gone through hard things.” Paul Cardall knows a thing or two about suffering and turning that suffering into a gift. He was born with half a heart and experienced poor health throughout his childhood and well into his adulthood. In 2009, he underwent a full heart transplant that gave him a miraculous new way of living. And yet, it was after his transplant that Paul faced the darkest period of his life: guilt, depression, the ending of his marriage, and more. But Paul used his pain to create masterpieces that helped him rise above, music that has gone on to transform millions of lives across the world. Yes, millions. Listen to this interview to hear about how this is the case for Paul, how and why he started playing the piano as a late-teen, what the creative process is like for him, and how he believes wholeheartedly that our trials can transform our lives for good and make us stronger. Paul believes that his love of forming connections through his music could not have been as fully achieved had it not been for his suffering. He inspires us to rise through our own trials too, and to believe that there is so much goodness on the other side. If you like the show, please share, subscribe, and leave reviews!! Show Notes: Paul's Website, Instagram, and Facebook Paul's Music Paul's Production Company, Stone Angel Music Song Played: "Gracie's Theme" Paul and Tina's Interview on the LifeBeats Project! Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m not a professional athlete. I don’t do this to win money and races. I do this to enhance my life and it brings me joy, along with my family . . . As long as I'm putting them first and taking care of them, everything else usually falls into place.” Heather Jenson says this to describe how she views her "little" hobby as a triathlete. This sport can suck people into perfectionism, obsession, and the comparison trap. But Heather has learned how to resist the negative side of her passion and embrace it for the goodness it brings to her life and to her family. Heather shares how her love of racing (she started as a swimmer!) increased after dealing with a terrible bout of postpartum depression, that having big and then bigger goals to aspire to helped her regain what she thought she had lost within herself. She is so honest about how hard training can be, but how breaking up a huge goal into small pieces has helped her achieve big dreams. A favorite example she shared: Her first half-marathon was 10 years ago at 24 years ago and her time was 2:14. He latest half time was 1:36. And yet, Heather is insistent that running is her hardest sport and what incredible lengths she has gone to to improve. She is also just as insistent that if she can become an Ironman, so can you. So even if it's not you seeking to race in Kona like her, Heather inspires us to reach within ourselves, find some passions, and let them guide us to becoming better people inside and out. Heather will have an entire episode devoted to her on the show, "Quest for Kona" on @NBCsports next Wednesday, 10/25. Check your local listings for times! Here's some more information on the show: here and here. Show Notes: Heather's website and Instagram Last week's episode with Ganel-Lyn Condie My interview on The Luckiest Mom Podcast (click on Episode 151!) Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Insta feed and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Some of the most challenging, heart-wrenching times of my life have in some ways become the greatest blessings . . . They were the pathways to learning.” The list of "life lessons" (aka: trials, obstacles, traumas, etc.) that Ganel-Lyn Condie has been through is astounding. And yet this woman walks with a bounce and speaks with a light that is absolutely contagious. Ganel-Lyn shares deeply about how surrendering to these lessons, giving up on perfection, and turning to a higher power have in turn strengthened her to better deal with what life has put in front of her. As an author and speaker, Ganel-Lyn doesn't shy away from hard topics as she's faced it all: parents divorcing, chronic illness, infertility, job loss, perfectionism, and the tragic passing of her sister, Meggan, through suicide. It's not that Ganel-Lyn doesn't have her hard days; it's not that she's eager to face another big trial; and it's definitely not that she knows the answers while in the middle of the darkness. But it IS a choice that she's developed to give in--but not give up!--learn what trials have to teach her, and in turn find greater empowerment to not only create a happier life for herself and her family, but for the world. Show Notes: Ganel-Lyn's Website, Instagram, Facebook, and BOOKS! Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Insta feed and website Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) Q&A Episode + Interview with Janssen Bradshaw Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've made it to 50 podcast episodes. Woohoo!! I am so thrilled about this, and grateful for those of you who have been with me from the beginning and just as grateful for the rest of you are are new to my podcast. You were kind enough to send in questions for this particular episode: things that you wanted to know about me, the podcast, my parenting, eating, children, where I live (and why), and more. This episode was super fun to record because I did it with my sister-in-law, Emily. But it's painful for me to listen to because it's seriously a huge exercise in obsessing over myself. Also, it went much longer than I had anticipated. If this is just as painful for you, I get it! We'll be back to our regular programming next Wednesday. Otherwise, I'd love to hear about some of YOUR answers to these same questions. Let's connect more! You can comment here or on my Instagram and Facebook, @aboutprogress. Thanks so much for your support! Show Notes: People I recommended you follow: The Listening Ear Projects, Talk Wordy to Me, Thriving Motherhood, and Julie In Real Life SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Fear is not a good reason to not do something. What is the worst that could happen? . . . If I can live with that worst case scenario, then I’m going to do it and stop worrying about failure." Janssen Bradshaw of Everyday Reading didn't think she was "creative" or "entrepreneurial." And yet, those two words completely encapsulate who she is now as the producer of a successful blog and a co-creator (alongside her husband) of a brand new business--children's rain boots! Janssen shares how starting one thing propelled her into another, and how even the failures she faced led to more opportunities anyway. Refusing to live based off of "what ifs" and fears has led to a series of Janssen trying new things bit by bit, and doing so has trickled down into all areas of her life. Janssen has learned that you can't just let life pass you by and not try things out of fear of failure or how hard it might be; because time passes anyway, and you'll only be left with regret and "what ifs." Janssen talks about what it is really like to be a successful blogger, how she is able to stay authentic and resist posting only for , why reading matters for her and her family, and her essential--and SIMPLE--was she survives the everyday chaos of raising a family and a business. Show Notes: Janssen's Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook London Little rain boots(!!!): Website and Instagram Janssen's FREE course on raising little readers Last week's podcasts with Ralphie from Simply on Purpose and Food: How to Use It, Not Abuse It, Part Two SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surprise! I have a bonus episode for you this week, and it's Part Two of my series on Food: How to Use it, Not Abuse it. Cultivating a healthy relationship with food has been a huge part of the work I've done for myself the past 11 years. I'm still focusing on it every day, but I see the improvements I have made that have made it all well worth it. I hope to inspire that in others, too! Part One is here, and there we spent a lot of time talking about what it LOOKS like to have a poor relationship with food and what you can begin to do about it. This episode--Part Two--involves more discussion on specific methods, both of which incorporate embracing a the "grey," ridding ourselves of black-and-white thinking, and moving towards natural moderation with how we view and eat food. The primary focus overall is Intuitive Eating, which is my very favorite eating philosophy. You can find the book here, and I'd definitely start with that; but I do recommend a coach if you are in the throes of trying to figure this out. I can recommend Elizabeth Dall and Stephanie Webb, both of whom are experts on this topic. Elizabeth is the primary Intuitive Eating expert for this episode, but Stephanie was the main expert for the last episode on this topic. (See their contact information below.) The second method is "Flexible Dieting," or also known as counting macros. Amber Brueseke is our expert on this, because not only does she know her stuff, but her whole goal is to move her clients towards Intuitive Eating. In essence, she wants to work herself out of a job. I know you'll enjoy this candid, helpful episode. Please let me know what you got out of it, and share it with those who you feel will benefit from it. Show Notes: Part ONE here Elizabeth's Instagram, Facebook, and website Amber's Instagram, Facebook, and website Past interview with AMBER Stephanie's Instagram and Website Intuitive Eating book (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!) SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"What it means “to grow” is to practice something—one thing really deliberately—and do it over and over again. And then when you make a mistake, you look back and you close that loop really quickly by recognizing what went well and what didn’t go well, and then you practice it again." Ralphie Jacobs admits that she was born with an innate love for children and a natural gift of caring for them. But even she was surprised as a young mom by how her well-informed, highly educated patience could "vanish." Recognizing this capacity in herself, Ralphie decided to deliberately change how she was parenting, to grow her skill set as a mother just as she would with any other talent, skill, or expertise that requires growth and practice. Now, Ralphie is a parenting expert who passes on the incredible (and I'd say LIFE-CHANGING) things she has learned over the years about how to grow purposefully within your job as a parent. And she makes it clear: the answers are actually quite simple. Ralphie shares how she became a parenting expert, what it looks like to use the growth mindset as a parent, how to increase your knowledge of what's out there BUT also rely on your instinct, how to reinforce good behavior in your children as a way to rid them of the "junk behavior," and what is the number one thing she wants every parent to know. For your use, here are the four main jobs we have as a parent that I took away from my discussion with Ralphie: 1) Teaching 2) Modeling Happiness 3) Being Purposeful Through Reflection and Redirection 4) Looking for the Good in Your Children Show Notes: Ralphie's Instagram, Facebook, and Resources Books Recommended: No Drama Discipline, Simplicity Parenting, Boundaries, Parenting with Love and Logic Referenced podcast interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Last week's episode with the founders of BRAVERY MAGAZINE SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Ralphie has a special message for you parents who are reallllly in the trenches with parenting, for one reason or another. You will leave this podcast armed with tools--yes--but, even better, with hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Bravery is being scared, it’s being afraid; but doing it anyway . . . It’s OK to be afraid of something, but own those feelings and rise above.” You think if you were the masterminds behind a magazine with "Bravery" in the title, that you would be a very courageous person. Not so for these ladies. Elyse Beard and Ashley Aikele both profess that they have let fear hold them back for far too long. But when they had the idea to create a publication that inspires courage in children by sharing stories of brave women, they knew they had to be their own kind of brave. To build something so monumental from nothing entailed a lot of letting go alongside a whole lot of work. Elyse and Ashley talk about how they practiced "fake it 'til you make it," used their different talents, and in the end created something from nothing. Their dream is that ultimately this publication is far more than a magazine; it's a movement. Elyse and Ashley share how a huge part of being your own kind of brave is figuring out what your "thing" is, and how even the process alone can demand a special kind of courage. Ashley shares how perfectionism prevented her from following through with many ideas in the past; Elyse talks about how she couldn't figure out what talents she had to offer to the world and how unfulfilled she felt because of that struggle. But these women have risen above their own fears, and shown us that if we dare to believe in ourselves, try new things, and even risk failure, we can create something life-changing. And both of them feel that change within their own lives. Show Notes: Bravery Magazine's Kickstarter (where you can order the first printing!), Instagram, and Facebook (website coming soon) Last week's episode with Nicole Kalkowski SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You have unique experiences with each one of your children. I think that working to cultivate happiness in your home, even though you could be going through hard things . . . really pays off. What you think about transcends, and it impacts your everyday life.” Nicole Kalkowski has had to fight for her son throughout his entire life. From a toddler diagnosed with regressive autism then immediately after with a myriad of diseases, including mitochondria and epilepsy, Nicole has relied on her intuition and resilience to get doctors to hear her and to help her son. She has literally kept him alive. Redbook Magazine covered the Kalkowski family for an entire year, documenting what it was like to have a then-three-year old son with autism. (A beautiful picture from the feature is below, with article links in the show notes.) Nicole later became an advocate and got amazing legislation passed that will ensure other parents don't have to face the darkness helplessly, as her family had. Ryan (now almost a teen!) requires round-the-clock care. Nicole, with her husband and three other children, have adopted the phrase "Roll with it!" when life presents new challenges or interruptions to each day. That decision to let go is repeated often in Nicole's story, as she learned to rely on others, on God, and to search for happiness wherever possible. And Nicole sees it everywhere. You'll be inspired by this mother's resilience, how she knows who Ryan is at his core, and how she can say she is now grateful for the dark times she and her family have faced. Show Notes: Redbook articles on Kalkowski family: here, here, here, and here Last week's interview with Briana Johnson SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It’s so easy to let the fear take over and have your vision crumble, because you want it to work so much and you need it to work so much . . . [But] you need to stay connected to yourself, you need to stay connected to your vision, you need to stay connected to your higher power.” Briana Johnson is the genius behind the powerful podcast The LifeBeats Project. Her path to creating this successful community has been full of mountains of stress, self-doubt, and fear. Such is the way of going after dreams! But Briana assures us that is is alllll worth it because of who we become in the process. In this interview, Briana shares how creativity has been such a huge part of her life and how podcasting has become an important part of who she is and where she sees herself heading. In facing incredible trials with her husband's debilitating battle with aggressive M.S., Briana has been through a difficult transformation of her own. She shares how owning her story--while she fought it for some time--has enabled her to better accept the illumination of who she wants and needs to be. Briana is passionate about helping others find and own their story. She has a unique way of connecting with people, and she uses that gift to promote so much self-love and empowerment in others. Briana's wisdom helps us discover what we can do to better grow into who we are meant to be. If you like the show, please subscribe!! Show Notes: Briana's website, Instagram, and Facebook Briana's new 14 day course (use code "ABOUTPROGRESS" to get $26 off!!) Monica's interview on The LifeBeats Project SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The way that we relate to food is a manifestation of the way we are showing up or engaging in our life.” Ain’t that the truth, friends? This bit of wisdom came from one of the experts featured on today’s podcast—Stephanie Webb. Alongside Elizabeth Dall, we talk about the COMPLICATED relationship all of us often experience with food and what can be done about it. You might call it “emotional eating,” it could be “mindless eating,” under- or over-eating, numbing through food, eating disorders, or just plain obsession over what you will eat and when. No matter how you crack it, these are some of the various ways we can abuse food and it abuse us right back. If you want to know what this looks like, how you can begin fixing it, and why it’s worth doing so, check out today’s episode. If you like the show, please subscribe!! Show Notes: Stephanie's website and Instagram Elizabeth's website and Instagram Last week's episode with Lizzy Jensen Referenced Podcasts with more on Monica's battle with eating disorders: Here, Here (with Extraordinary Moms Podcast!), and Here (with The LifeBeats Project!) SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think if you continue to ask and seek . . . and then act on those things you’re feeling, life gets better and better. I think that’s how it’s supposed to be if you keep living outside of your comfort zone and pursuing those ideas, and thoughts, and feelings.” We all know that life takes us on many twists and turns. Lizzy Jensen's life is no different as her own has led her so many different directions than she had envisioned. So often, she thought she was supposed to pursue something for a certain "why," only to have the end-product of her work not match what she had first thought or even wanted. But for Lizzy, she now has the perspective that those twists and turns were each undeniably the "why" behind the beauty and purpose that has come of her own life's mission. Lizzy is passionate about helping others recognize what their own unexpected life paths have to offer them. Her latest purpose is to help people--women, especially--learn what gifts they have to offer the world and how they can then accomplish their own unique mission in life. Listen in to discover how to do just that, and learn so much more from Lizzy about the value of work, how to gain perspective when things don't go our way, her key to making goals, some truth-slams about parenthood, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I do think you have to choose happiness, because it’s YOUR life. You are in control of your own personal happiness. I could lay in bed sick and angry, or I could choose to laugh . . . and make a happy life. I don’t find that it is any more difficult than it was before. My problems have just changed.” Christopher Clark told me a story about another friend of his that was also diagnosed with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease. When this friend's doctor told him of his diagnosis, in almost the same breath the doctor made a plea that he would not take his own life. For many, receiving word that they have this untreatable, incurable, gradually debilitating disease is a death-sentence. For Clark, there was grieving to be sure; but there was also a determination to rise above the temptation to languish in his pain and despair, and instead to live the rest of his now-shortened life with a good amount of grace, and even more of humor. Chris's choice to find happiness in spite it all is evident throughout this interview, which is surprisingly entertaining given the topic of our discussion. We first explore his love of acting and directing and how he eventually pursued it as his profession. He is now a professor and head of the theatre department at Utah Valley University, on top of being a well-known actor and director. We talk about the huge transitions he and his family has faced the past year plus since his diagnosis, what physical symptoms he deals with daily, what he is the saddest about losing to his disease, what he has learned about himself through it all, and how he still finds the will to continue progressing in his personal and professional life in spite of it all. Show Notes: Christopher's Instagram Last week's episode with Emily Nelson SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices