feather & foundation

Amazing how a walk in the woods can ground you and remind you of the missing element of calmness in your everyday life.  With each step of fresh air and clarity, the to-do list and hurry up mindset disappears.  You become aware, focused and slow down to absorb it all - the sights, smells and sounds.  Sometimes it takes stepping out of our normal routine to realize we've been missing calmness being present in our life every day.  Hear tips on how to create calmness in your life, as well as things to remove.  Take a deep breath, light a candle, soak in the tub and put on your favorite podcast- this one & embrace calmness.  

Life's Revolving Door spins with hope and heartache, joy and difficulties, and goodness and grief as contrasting bookends.  We can be doing the thing in our life and completely miss living in that moment.  We have opportunities to celebrate special occasions and can celebrate a life well-lived at the end.  How do we live our dash?  What are our priorities?  This episode breakdowns what the dash means in buckets of our life. Life's Revolving Door keeps moving- keep moving- keep giving, living, and loving in your precious-not-a-dress rehearsal life!

A Friday night dinner date with a friend, led to unexpected & kind of random connections with a bunch of people.  It's amazing when you stop and take time to talk with people- the things you find out and learn.  We always seem to be in a rush- going and doing.  When we pause- we can have some people human connection moments.  It reminds you of the goodness and commonality of humankind.  It reminds us of the good, the best in humanity and that we really do have more in common than we are led to believe.  Those connections create a thread in the fabric of our lives.  You'll hear the benefits of what those connections do for your wellbeing and mental health.  What if today you played Connect 4?  No, not the game, but played the game of life in connecting with 4 people in conversation.  Have some fun and watch those threads of connection bring more beauty in the world and your life tapestry!

The power of a dream.  As we kept our eyes and hearts open wide at the marvel of space travel with the crew of Artemis II- while they lived  their dream, they invited all of us to dream big dreams and shown dreams can come true.  I still get the feels of reliving those incredible moments that united us as humankind.  It made me think on what do dreams do?  Why do we need dreams?   We discuss the cost of dreams, and what happens when someone isn't supporting them and how to navigate.  Dreams are unlimited.  They fuel our soul and create space for others to dream dreams.  Keep chasing dreams dreamer!  Bonus- a fun playlist at the end of the podcast.  Dream ON & Dreaming is Free!!!

We do an exercise that is eye opening on our life check in this episode (so be sure to grab a piece of paper to participate- (remember to give patience and grace as you work on it and through it!)  We can look at how our life has unfolded and notice the milestones, achievements and disappointments.  We look forward to the future with dreams, plans and anticipation.  In present- how do we intentionally create the days that are fulfilling and life giving?  How do we learn and grow to fulfil becoming our best selves.  As our days, unfold- even in the routine, we can change it up to welcome ease, flow, and betterment.  In fact, we are creating out memoir right now and we can write the most magnificent chapters as participate in our amazing life unfolding.  

Forgive- it can evoke all kinds of thoughts, feelings and emotions.  When someone does something against us- oh boy, do we build the energy around what happened, what they did and can you believe it, when we share the story with others.  Sometimes in reaching out we can have those conversations to have closure and move on.  Many times, we don't get that or the outcome we desire.  We forgive for us, not necessarily for the other person.  It frees us from being prisoners- trapped in bitterness and grudges.  How do we forgive those who hurt us? Betray us?  Why do we need to forgive them?  Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting....we'll tackle that as well. Not only do we need to forgive others, but sometimes we need to forgive ourselves and give grace.  

WE often live our lives with if or when I HAVE__ I can DO, than I can BE.  It seems to have a waiting, wishing feeling, even a bit wishy-washy.  We are waiting  on the HAVE to arrive, before the DO can kick in and we can finally BE.  When we flip the concept around to BE-DO-HAVE.  We step into the BE first.  When we BE- we then can SEE what/who we want to be or achieve.  It's empowering, it's proactive- we focus on creating the BE, when we imagine, visualize, expect and act like what we want to BE- the DO kicks in (even if you aren't exactly sure of the DO- you just start in motion) and then you discover- the HAVE that you desired. This could be a total "aha" in how you are living and help you create your dreams, desires and destiny.   BE-DO- HAVE!

Volunteering as a greeter in my church, reminds me every Sunday that each person walking through the door has a story!  It takes connection and conversation to discover more about people's stories.  It gives us so much insight on who they are, and what they overcame.  Our stories shape us, the refine us and they define us.  Share your story.  Someone might be put in your path that needs to hear your story.  In life's storms or when you get a gut punch- you are reeling, then dealing, then move to healing.  Many times by sharing our story- it can help our healing, or aid in other's healing journey.  Share your story.  You are given this one beautiful life- while you don't control the number of the days- (or how many pages in your book)- you can control the chapters in creating your best seller!  Share your story! Thank you for sharing Feather & Foundation with others.  Share your story!

Recharge is our WOW word this episode.  Often it can be found hand in hand with Unplug.  When we take sometime to unplug from our daily rhythm of our life, we are met with levity and feeling of being carefree.  We don't have the daily grind and every day responsibilities when we take a pause and unplug, especially on vacation or trip.  It helps us to recharge our batteries to come back with more energy and more giving and living.  You'll hear some tips on how to unplug (kinda sad, we need to be reminded on how to do that!) as well as recharging.  How can you unplug?  What recharges you?  Join us on this episode and thank you for sharing with others as we grow THE FLOCK!

With the Winter Olympics just ending, what a perfect tribute of our WOW word in Strength.  It's impressive the dedication, discipline and strength (mind and body) that Olympians possess.  While we many not be Olympic athletes, we can look back over our lives and see the moments of strength that we displayed in overcoming obstacles, difficulties and hard things.  We can be reminded, we are stronger than we know.  Plus when we rely on the strength of God- we can overcome anything,  You'll hear 8 tips that will help strengthen- your strength that you can put into practice immediately.  Stay strong!

This WOW word found me after a conversation with someone when asked how they were doing the reply was "same old, same old".  That response makes me sad....we are living beings....we are not stagnant...we should be thriving, not just thriving.  Invigorate is a great reminder to bring energy and life.  When was the last time you felt invigorated?  When was the last time you brought an invigorating spirit to others.  You'll hear some ideas to step out of the mundane, routine to shake it up and invigorate your life.  We've got one beautiful (while sometimes messy)  masterpiece of life- we need to live full out, full out - invigorated and sharing that with others.  The world needs us to be light bearers and joy spreaders.   Thanks for sharing!

We are celebrating 100 episodes of our WOW word- yowza!!!  Harmony is such a great word to embrace.  In this episode we’ll share on how to keep the harmony when with others (not always easy to do), but also very important to keep your harmony at all costs.  Protecting that peace and harmony is so crucial to your well being, in this very loud word.  You’ll hear a tips on how to maintain your harmony in your rhythm of life.  Here is to a harmonious day that can lead to a harmonious week, then a harmonious month and harmonious year and harmonious life.

Be the light- it's an action statement that gives hope, encouragement, compassion and mercy to others. In the darkness, only light can drive it out.  Hate doesn't drive out hate, only love.  Love & Light.  When we feel the weight of the world and that we've lost our way- we can BE the light.  Even in our brokenness or feeling less than, you'll hear an encourage story of value and how useful you are when your light radiates.  If we think of everyone having a candle- we may notice some are dimmed are totally blown out- we can help light those candles of others to spread more light.  Seeing people- giving hope, encouragement, kindness, generosity, compassion and gratitude can go a long way in fueling their spirit.  Take your candle and go light the world.  

Anticipation! If you are of a certain age, you just sang that!!!  It's our WOW word for this episode.  Anticipation creates excitement, hope, possibilities.  When we are anticipating something, the days/time can seem to go so slowly, because we just can't wait for the thing to happen, or get the thing.  When we are hanging out in the anticipating something, doubt and anxiousness can sneak in from seemingly no where.  Finding a place to address those emotions in a healthy way can be empowering.  You'll hear a great idea no how to do that, and can share with others and especially children.  If you aren't currently in a mode of anticipation, it might be a good reminder to set up a date, call a friend, book that vacation, take that job interview, learn how to speak a new language, take up a new hobby with an end goal in mind.  Part of living, is exactly that- living...growing, learning, becoming and anticipation makes it even more rewarding.  

WOW- lot's to celebrate on this episode- Happy New Year! And Happy 3rd Anniversary to Feather & Foundation podcast!!  WAHOO!!!  With a year just ending- you'll hear tips on how to review your year in a rewind to celebrate the victories, recognize the hard- the lessons that make you better, not bitter, to find the joy and to acknowledge in gratitude the journey of the year with all the peaks and valleys.  As you say goodbye to last year, you have your arms wide open to embrace the new year.  Filled with lots of opportunities and possibilities.  Learn how to reset your year with tools that help you create your best ever life with intention.  What a great way to kick-off and refuel together in this new year!A thankful appreciation to THE FLOCK for you faithfulness in listening and sharing with others.  I'm grateful that a God nudge over 3 years ago, despite  being scared, despite not knowing what I was doing and how I was going to do it- led me to YOU!!!  Keep shining your light beautiful soul and let's go in this new year!!

 Recently celebrating some big new milestones- a new baby to our family (grandson) and stepping into a new decade for my birthday, I had a lot of time to reflect- on joy, on new, on new beginnings, and thinking of how time really does fly by.  Mixed in was a hard situation, disappointment and expectations not met.  So is life- the good and bad and coexist in the same space and it's weird navigating both.  Reflection allows us to reminisce, appreciate, learn and grow.  We can also choose to reflect light, love, joy and happiness in the world.  Keep shining and be a mirror of goodness. 

All is not as it seems.......with scrolling through social media we can look at other's lives and while one hand we feel connected because we can peek into their life, their vacation, their job, their family, but the other hand- we find ourselves disconnecting in comparison, lack, less then feelings, jealousy and envy.  We forget that we are seeing their "high light" reels (curated, edited, filtered) and comparing it to our blooper reels.  We don't' even do a fair comparison on highlight versus highlight.  You'll hear a funny story about how you can be so sure of something (or told by others that this is the truth and what's happening) then you find out- all is not as it seems.  In this day and age of information at a second's notice, social media, and AI- we all need to do our part in verifying, validating and being vigilant in what we read, believe and share.  There's so much misinformation, let's not be part of spreading it.  In most situations - we only see "our side" or perspective.  As we know there are several sides, and all is not as it seems.

Miracles are around us!  We often think that it's always the BIG thing in order to be a miracle, but often it's those quiet moments in the every day- that if we slow down to notice.  Do you believe in miracles?  Have you experienced miracles? Do you expect miracles?  What if you opened your mind, heart and spirit to experience them daily?  Check out this inspiring episode on miracles!

I always love how the WOW word finds me to talk about each episode.  This episode is a dichotomy on Magnify from adventured and discoveries during VBS; to walking through hard stuff in life.  Dealing with messy in life is hard.  And how often do we get upset, mad, disappointed, sad, hurt and we tell the story over & over.  We magnify the situation and with every story telling in our mind and hurt gains more momentum and grows the hurt and pain even more.  Why do we magnify the less than great stuff.  What would happen if we started to magnify the joy, happiness, the goodness and the positive.  What if we found more gratitude and joy in every day.  What if we magnified those stories over and over again?  What if we walked it out looking for the awesomeness in life and focused on that more (even when the bumps & twists and turns of the unexpected happens).

After a few full, busy weeks of good things...I realized I needed a break.  I didn't need to overschedule, I needed to create space of down time, with not expectation of "getting this done" or meeting goals or "should do's on my mental mind list".  I enjoyed the slower days, with more freedom (one of the reasons I love summer days so much...summer is a carefree spirit).  I thought if I needed this reminder, then perhaps someone listening or in THE FLOCK might need the gentle reminder. In the middle of a hectic day- we can be mindful in choosing space to "take a break" We can fall into the habit of doing something, because "we've always done it".  Taking a step back to analyze- does this add value or improve my life, can be an eye-opening opportunity for self-preservation.  Sometimes you need a break from a schedule, activity or a relationship.  Sometimes, breaks are just a season, or short-term and sometimes they are permanent.  There is alignment of mind, body & soul when we take our breaks.  Check out some ideas on how to incorporate break time in your day or week.  How can you take a break today?

You'll hear how the WOW word of Sunny Disposition found me- from a simple trip looking for landscaping rocks and having the pleasure of meeting William.  And another situation of a heavy heart and wise words from a friend, about not letting a hard situation, or circumstances steal my sunny outlook.  We can all think of those folks who are rays of sunshine.  Did you know there are many reasons why a sunny disposition is good for your well being and spirit.  It's contagious and ripples to others.  And it's a choice.  Emit your light and shine bright.

Honor.  As a child, I was taught to respect "my elders" and public servants...pretty much all adults.  To honor their position, even if as I got older didn't always agree or understand- I still needed to honor them.  Today, Honor seems to be fleeting around us.  The military recognizes "honor"- with an honor code.  How can we honor our parents? Our family unit? Our co-workers? Our friends? And ourselves.  Being present, giving eye contact, honoring commitments we make- we can be the change of bringing honor back into the mainstream by modeling it.

Faith is really revealed when we are in a valley in our life.  Hardship can be swirling about us like a chaotic tornado- and we can stand in faith.  This episode was inspired by 2 women who have walked through some tough life stuff, and in spite of the uncertainties in their life at the time (housing situation, jobs, financial insecurity)- they stood strong in their faith.  Fast forward a few years and these women are victorious warriors who are thriving in their lives today.  When someone stands strong in the faith, it encourages others to do the same.  What's the size of your faith?  What is the size of the faith of your friends (you'll hear a familiar story).  If you are going through a season, grab onto that mustard seed size faith, hold on and now that you're going to be okay!  

A recent reunion and since then many conversations of people who have walked through some tough things (or currently in the middle of them) prompted this WOW word this week of Perseverance.  I was inspired sitting with a group of very successful women listening to their beginning and the life things they had to navigate to rise to the top in their business field.  On paper, it seemed like "success" could have easily evade them based on their life situations.....however, the thing called perseverance prevailed are they soared to the top 1% of their company.  Leading and mentoring others to do the same.  So inspiriting.  Perseverance is inspiring....it's done in the hard, the messy and the moments when you want to give up-----but you don't- you keep going.  When life pulls the rug out from under us-  we are Reeling, then Dealing and then Healing if we are successful in growing through it.  Perseverance is a trait we admire, applaud and desire.  Think of the hard things you've had to deal with in your life and think of the perseverance you've had to overcome.  You are stronger than you know.

Did you even have a situation where grief and joy can live side by side? It's a strange dichotomy.  As my Aunt's 6 yr heaven homecoming day came, it makes me filled with sadness in how much I miss her, and yet joy in having loved her and have her impact my life.  Also, on the same day- I was headed for reunion with my mentor and Pink Sisters (many in which we hadn't seen each other in 20 years).  We were there to celebrate and appreciate our mentor, she too has been diagnosed with cancer in a tough prognosis, and we wanted the chance to let her know how much of an impact she has made on our lives and our families.  As our business mentor, coach, and cheerleader and friends- she taught, encouraged, led by example and held our dreams, especially when we lost our vision.  It was an extraordinary weekend.  I couldn't get over her stamina, positivity.  She may have had cancer, but cancer didn't have her as she focused on living.  How would we live if we lived like we were dying?  What would we be doing differently?  What would we no longer be doing?  What would we value?  Check out this episode.

Grounded!  Said to a teenager by parents- was not a fun thing!  Referring to an airplane- means our plans are changed, inconvenience, and stressful.  Yet, in the grounding in these situations- it was done out of protection and their were lessons on the other side of it.  Grounded can mean being stable, sensible and sense of well being.  We have rhythms and rituals in our life (morning routines, work-outs, devotions, music, hobbies) that foster our well being in creating a sense of calm.  Now more than ever in this noisy world- being able to be grounded it a beautiful blessing.  You'll hear about grounding- what is it? what does it do? how do you do it?  Many benefits for your mind, body and soul.  In the busy of your everyday life, you are going to have to remind yourself "you're grounded" and your adult self will thank you for the care of your well-being.  

There is so much uncertainty, noise, chaos and a sense of heaviness in the world.  There is also much love, joy, light and laughter in the world.  Where do we put our focus?  While we can't control all the things, we do get to decide our mindset and focus.  What if we started our day with the intention of hearing, seeing and creating laughter and joy?  A good laugh, or giggle is good for the soul and has a way of bringing a shared experience and levity.  Learn the 8 benefits of what laughter does for your mental and physical health.  Laughter is the best medicine.   Travel through your day looking for laughter, creating laughter, or being the laughter- it unites people.  Laughter lightens and brightens your mood and perspective- so share with others freely to do the same for them.  

We are talking about sowing...(seeds).  It's time for growth, renewal and blooming- springtime is popping. We talk about April theory...if you don't know- listen to find out.  In a seed packet, we have no idea which seeds are going to take and bloom and those that will not.  First, we need to provide good, rich soil to sow the seeds.  We do our part, and then let God do his part.  How are we sowing seeds in our life for growing our best selves?  How are we investing in others with the seeds we sow to make a difference?  Are we also ready to experience the bounty? (and share with others).  It's sowing season- let's go!  

PIVOT! PIVOT! PIVOT!  Oh, how can we all hear Ross saying this as the "Friends" (Rachel & Chandler) are helping to get a new couch up the staircase.  We can be going along and all of a sudden, an obstacle or block tries to stop us in our tracks, and we have to PIVOT. Not easy & lots of frustrating.  There are times we are sitting in our comfort zone, and we know we need to PIVOT from the easy, known, and familiar to something better (again, not easy & definitely uncomfortable).  Oh goodness, how many times the conversation in our head is not serving- and boy do we hit replay on it and add in more to the story and every time we tell it, it builds more negative energy...and it keeps going and going until we shut it down and PIVOT!!!  After the uncomfortable and unknown and frustration from having to PIVOT- we can look back with a sense of satisfaction and pride in having figured out a new way, learning something new or discovering something totally different from the PIVOT.  There is power in the pivot!!  

Let's celebrate unity!!!  Let's seek unity. I know it seems like we are more divided than ever before- especially on hot topics.  But if you take the time to connect with people, talk with them, learn about them, you may actually find more common ground than you think. We really are more alike than different despite how the noise out there tries to tell you.  How can you be a uniter?  How can you seek unity in relationships with others? At home? At work?  Our founding fathers based the start of this nation on unity.  We the people...we are still we the people.  Let's be uniters, let's seek unity, let's go out and bring unity in our circles of influence.  

Have you noticed your stress level & anxiety increasing in the past few weeks.  There is so much noise, chaos and uncertainty around us in the world.  Now more than ever, we need our superhero WOW word of Self-Care.  Many times we think we don't "have the time" and we need "to keep going".  When the pitcher is empty- it has nothing else to give.  Much can be said when we are depleted.  Hear the 3D's on Self-Care, plus list of ideas of what self-care could be.  Self-care is not selfish, self-care is essential.  Hear the short-term and long-term benefits of incorporating self-care into your life for your well-being and quality of life.  What are some self-care things you are incorporated today?

Intuition...also known as "gut feeling" or God nudging, or Holy Spirit guiding. We talk about what our intuition does in this episode.  Many times when those decisions are made with the heart or head, it isn't always the best results.  Intuition is the navigator that seems to know, without us really understanding fully how we know- but always seems to be the correct direction.  As the world gets louder, busier and more chaotic- sometimes it's hard to hear our intuition- we need to be mindful and intentional in tuning in, slowing down, getting quiet.  How is your intuition guiding you in the big and little things in life.  You'll hear some stories where intuition was the driving force (you'll appreciate the pun even more after listening to the episode).  Ready to discover some epiphanies'???  Check out this episode.  And thanks for sharing with others as we grow "The Flock" (loyal listeners).

Character matters.  Having character is your legacy, not only in your life, but can leave a generational legacy long after you are gone.  In spite of what we may see in the world today- character matters.  We need to model it, live it and expect it (especially from our leaders).  Character is who you are and what you do when no one is looking.  Being honest, trustworthy, dependable, and following through shows character.  Let's model it for our family, neighbors, co-workers and our for our generational legacy.  Character matters!.  

Soul Sparks....what are the things that spark your soul?  Those things may come easy to you to know, but having a list is a great reminder (gratitude list).  Who are the people in your life who spark your soul?  Treasure them and keep them close and spend more time with them.   How can you be a soul spark in other's lives?  Life is short....imagine if you lived your day finding soul sparks.  Or those "sparklers" who spark your soul.  Let's light up your lives with soul sparks and spark up others.  What a wonderful world that will be!  Let's go!!!  Share this podcast with friends- we want more "soul sparkers" to join THE FLOCK.  

Before we get out of bed in the morning, we are inundated with choices, - hit the snooze button or get up.  Turn off the alarm, pick up the phone- check texts, or see news headlines, or look at emails...and our feet haven't even hit the floor to start our day.  Now more than ever it's chaotic and noisy and we are overwhelmed.  This episode at Feather & Foundation- our WOW word of overwhelm is to give you some tools and strategies to help mitigate or lessen the feeling of overwhelmness in your day.  When you protect your peace of mind, you have peace.  Learn how to put boundaries in place to preserve your time, energy and who you spend time with.   Embrace serenity and have peace in your mind and life.

The pace of life is very full and busy.  How often does someone pop into our mind or heart...and then we end up telling ourselves a story ("they are busy" "I'm so busy", etc) and that moment of possible connection gets lost.  We know when we make the time to spend with friends it fills our souls.  I'll cover the benefits of what spending times with friends does for our mental health and physical health in this episode.  The next time someone pops into your mind- make the time to reach out to them- text, dm, or better yet- pick up the phone and actually talk to them. Even if you leave a voice mail (ha- provided you set up your mailbox)- it will be a blessing to the receiver.  Realizing time waits for no one, and it really is short- make the most of it by connecting with friends & family.  Make it a new goal of being intentional of following up and reaching out on those pop ups on our mind and heart to connect and have those reunions.  Who can you text or call to let them know you appreciate them, or thinking of them, or checking in with them, or that you love them? Thanks for connecting with Feather & Foundation!

With the heart-wrenching images of the LA wildfires currently splashed all over the news/social media outlets- it is unbelievable all the destruction.  The word apocalyptic has been used to describe the debris and ashes of where thriving neighborhoods, schools, businesses and churches once stood.  As people share their stories through tears, grief and pain they seem to end with resiliency and hope. While we may not have our home destroyed- we all have trials and tribulations to deal with in our lives.  Resiliency is strength- it isn't always loud- in fact it's usually in the quiet moments, the vulnerable moments, the raw moments that it sparks in us.  We need to embrace it, and honor it....taking those little steps, one foot in front of the other and just keep going...especially if we would rather stay in the bed with covers over our head.  A spark might have started the wildfires, resiliency can spark hope, encouragement and to just get going, keep moving, keep going, keep living, keep loving....resiliency.  Thank you for liking, commenting, and sharing with others. 

Wahoo!!  We are celebrating some milestones this episode - over 2,000 downloads  on many platforms, 72 episodes and Nationwide as well as global (Canada, Australia, China, Japan, United Kingdom, Singapore, Russia, Belgium, Seychelles & Romania).   Grateful for new followers and huge shout out to THE FLOCK- the faithful!!!  Thank you for sharing with others- I'm so grateful.We kick off the new year with our WOW word of One Word.  Our One Word is like the North Star of our year  We watch with intentionality, and awareness on how our One Word manifests.  It is in wonder, joy and gratitude and many times so much more creative and fulfilling than we ever expected.  Sometimes we can declare and know our One word immediately.  Other times, it takes time and our One Word finds us.  You'll hear tips on finding your One Word if you haven't gotten it yet.  For those who might be skeptical, what do you have to lose .....why not select your One Word and see what happens in your year.  Get ready for an amazing year ahead.  Please be sure to comment your one word.  Be sure to share Feather & Foundation with others.  

As the days wind down on another year.  Many may be counting down the days, others are still holding onto the sweetness of this year.  No matter which camp you are in, this exercise of taking some time (creating space- shout out to previous WOW episode) to  review your year is a powerful  practice. It will help you to celebrate the victories and wins of the year.  You'll celebrate the joys, the people, the experiences that make your heart sing.  You can also, gently look back over the hard stuff/the messy with no judgement, but to take the lesson and choose to become better versus bitter.  You can see how you have grown, had new and had new experiences.  There are several suggestions on how you can do your review.  Plus there are some prompting questions that can help you remember and recall your year.  You might even choose to write yourself a letter of highlights, learning and what are you looking to receive and manifest in the new year.  This is a beautiful way to end the year in peace, and stand arms, heart, and mind opened wide to receive all that can be in the brand new year, without bringing anything no longer serving you into this new year.  Leave it in the past.   Wishing you a beautiful new year- filled with Positivity, Possibilities, Joy, Beauty  & Creativity.

Isn't it crazy that in one month out of the year- we try to cram in every tradition (celebrating old, creating new), so many parties (dinner, work, happy hours, gatherings,  Fa-La-La's), plus if you have kids (add in concerts, recitals, plays), plus decorating, baking and shopping and wrapping and delivering presents....and all while having peace on earth!!!  No wonder we are tired, exhausted and overwhelmed when we step into the new year.  What if we were intentional and deliberate in creating space- in our lives- in our calendars, in our homes, in our minds and in our hearts?  We can say "no" to good things to maintain our well- being or sense of peace.  Creating more space, allows for spontaneous moments to bloom, or calm moments of grounding.  We can lose sight of joy and peace when we a rushing through the holidays.  Create space so the important things can be the main thing this holiday season.  Create more space...for hope, peace, joy and love.Thank you for sharing space with Feather & Foundation!

Every day life is stressful, throw in election cycle, election and day light savings and YOWZA- that's a lot of anxiety.  Our WOW word of well-being is the perfect topic to talk about this episode.  Learn the things that affect your well-being.  Learn how to do check-ins with yourself. What is your body telling you?  Where is energy stuck?  What does your body need?  While we can't avoid all triggers of life, we can learn to respond- mitigate and neutralize by having some easy-to-use tools.  Exercises that can be done any where that can help release stuck energy, or pent-up emotions in a helpful, calming way.  You can be more mindful in preserving your well-being and fostering it with things that help to support it.

Friendship!!!  Let's celebrate those friendships in our life.  Have you thought about the relationships you have with the various friends in seasons of your life?  We'll discuss how to categorize the 5-10 closest friends in your life and the value they add, or if they add some stress.  And for those friends who feel like they can't list 5-10 friends, we'll discuss some tips on building your friendship circle.  Healthy friendship adds so much to our life, heart and soul.  Check out what those tips are in this episode.  Celebrate your friends and be a great friend.  

In this episode we celebrate our WOW word- goodwill.  Recently, hurricanes have caused great devastation- loss of life, of people's homes, loss of jobs, and loss of dreams and in the aftermath of the heartbreak- goodwill has sprung forth in the form of so many heroes.  Heroes whose jobs it is to help, and the common everyday folks doing their part to spread goodwill by showing care and compassion.  Our spirit of humanity weaves us together- no matter our background, education level, ethnicity, religion or even political party.  Don't believe the noise of the lies of division and differences.  We are more alike and unity and goodwill will always prevail of lies and division.  Be the sower of goodwilll out there...in the big things and the little moments of every day.  The world needs more sowers.  

If you are a member of THE Flock (our faithful)- you will know how much I talk about and love matches!  When you think something, speak something and seek something and then it appears- "that's a match"!   You'll hear some fun stories of recent matches.  We can ask and God can deliver in his divine way in the most creative way in providing a match.  Learn what's happening in your brain when matches occur.  Learn to celebrate the matches and speak into it- so you can find more matches.  What you think about you bring about.  What are you focusing on?  What are matches you can ask for and then experience "it's a match!"

What is the difference between happiness and joy?  (listen to find out!).  Even in the heartache and hard of life, you can have joy.  In the storms of life- there is always a rainbow somewhere if you look for it.  You'll hear a personal story of when I learned hell and heartbreak can live right beside joy & happiness.  What you focus on grows in your life....so if you focus on joy- you find more joy.  There are reminders on how to keep & increase joy and for those in a life struggle now- to find it and create it.  Let's protect our joy- let's share our joy- let's multiple our joy!

Dreams..this is the second podcast (one of the very first episodes of Feather & Foundation was Dreams).  Good thing we aren't limited to just one.  We spend our life having dreams- when we were younger- they were unlimited and we believed everything and anything was possible.  Then life gets ahold of you...busyness, experiences, cynicism, being realistic, doubt, not taking action- so many things are dream killers and stealers. I'll share some dreams come true, and the latest one that is relatively new - even though it was tucked away  It takes courage to dream, and to follow that dream.  When you stand in a dream come true- it takes  your breath away and realize the holy moment of the giver of the dream and the talents, and gifts that HE has given to you- holy goosebump moments.  Dreams include others, inspires others and encourages others.  Amazing to think- the Creator of all, creates a dream in your heart, a specific dream, specifically to you and has also gifted you with the abilities to create that dream.  You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,  I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one- Imagine (by John Lennon).  Join us dreamers for this episode.  Go ahead dream a little dream, or a big dream and trust in the faithfulness by your obedience, taking action, daring and doing- your dream could be the answered prayer of someone else.   

Each season on the calendar has a rhythm.  In our seasons of life, there is a rhythm.  Sometimes the rhythms just flow and go.  Sometimes there is more of a struggle, or it is chaotic.  Hear some tips on this podcast on how to create rhythm in your mornings to start your day in harmony.  Creating space for gratitude, prayer, meditation or picturing how you would like your day to unfold and the things ('matches") you are looking for as you go about your day.  Want to see kindness, joy, beauty?  Guess what- that is what you will see.  The saying "what you think about, you bring about", or "what you focus on grows".  What is your body telling you it needs for it's rhythm & functioning at optimal energy, health and vitality?  Can we hear through the loud of everyday living?  Join us at Feather & Foundation as we embrace the rhythm of a new season (even if we might be a bit sad leaving summer...for the summer peeps!)  I appreciate you listening and pass it along to a friend.

Come on celebrate ....as we dive deeper into celebrating.  Think back to last big event you attended- if it was a great one- it was filled with laughter, joy and celebration.  Have you celebrated a milestone lately? A promotion? Life event?  In our everyday living, how can we incorporate in seeing people...looking up off our phones and acknowledging others (smile, nodding, saying hi).  Pull out those ear buds and engage in conversation with someone.  You'll hear some great stories of acknowledging others, appreciating and celebrating others.  You can take your lit candle and light someone's candle by seeing them and acknowledging them.  It takes nothing from your candle- in fact spreads more light and joy in this world.  Let's go light the world and celebrate good times- wahoo!  Thank you for sharing the light and love of this episode with others to encourage, entertain and inspire.  We are growing the Flock, and I celebrate  & appreciate YOU!