Transform Your Life - Just Count Me In

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedWhy asking for help is so hard—and why sometimes the first step isn't getting better. It's being met where you are.What happens when you're doing everything you're supposed to do—and you still don't feel better?This summer, I worked with a 12-year-old boy I'll call Max.He started making changes almost immediately: drinking more water, exercising, improving his sleep, reducing screen time, changing his morning routine, and paying attention to his self-talk and beliefs.And at first, it worked.He felt better.Then he crashed.And eventually he said:“None of this is working.”That moment taught me something important.Getting better isn't always a straight line.And sometimes, when we become so focused on feeling better, we accidentally start believing that having a bad day means we're failing.Max needed something different.He needed to be met where he actually was.Not told to “think positive.”Not given another list of things he was doing wrong.Not pushed to pretend he was okay.He needed someone to acknowledge where he was and hold out a hand.And that's where this episode begins.Because asking for help is hard.For children.For teenagers.For parents.For successful adults.For people in the workplace.For people who are used to being the ones everyone else depends on.Sometimes we're afraid we'll look weak.Sometimes we're embarrassed.Sometimes we don't even know what kind of help we need.Sometimes we're afraid we'll be misunderstood.And sometimes we've asked for help before—and received advice instead.But what if we changed the way we think about help?What if asking for help wasn't failure?What if knowing when you need another person was actually a form of strength, self-awareness and problem-solving?And what if we focused not only on becoming better at asking for help—but on becoming people who are safe to ask?In this episode, we explore:Why asking for help can feel like failureWhy children and teenagers may hide what they're experiencingThe role of stigma, embarrassment and self-relianceWhy people may fear being misunderstoodWhy “help” and “advice” aren't always the same thingHow parents can make it safer for children to speak honestlyWhy getting better isn't always linearWhy adults often hide workplace stress until they're burned outHow loneliness and connection affect our well-beingHow to ask for help earlierHow to become someone other people feel safe askingThe connection between human interaction, synchronization and the energy we bring to one anotherFive practical ways to notice, ask, listen and connectSeptember is National Suicide Prevention Month, making this an especially important time to have conversations about connection, support and asking for help.But this episode isn't about sitting in the problem.It's about what we can do.Notice.Ask.Listen.Connect.Reach out.And remember:You don't have to climb out of the well before someone is allowed to reach a hand down.If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts, or you're worried about someone else, call or text 988 in the United States for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.RESOURCE NOTE FOR THE EPISODEIf you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts, or you're worried about someone else, in the United States you can call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You do not have to wait until a situation becomes an emergency to reach out.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.Research referenced: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization; peer-reviewed research on adolescent help-seeking and interpersonal synchrony.Thank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan Mailhttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/14rPgv4xHGb/LinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedWhat If Success Isn't What We Think It Is?What if success isn't about becoming impressive?What if it's about becoming yourself?In this episode of Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In, Sari Stone explores a question that has been coming up through her work with young people, parents, and leaders:Are we helping people discover who they are—or unconsciously asking them to become who we think they should be?This isn't an episode about criticizing parents.It's a celebration of the parents who are becoming more conscious, more curious, and more willing to let their children have their own journeys.It's also a much bigger conversation about success, identity, authenticity, and the lives we choose to create.Sari shares her own story of graduating from high school, taking time to travel, crossing the country, and eventually moving to Colorado before going to college—a path that wasn't what her parents had envisioned for her.Looking back, she recognizes something important:Her job wasn't to complete the part of her parents' lives that they hadn't been able to complete. Her life was hers.And perhaps our children aren't here to complete our unfinished stories either.In this episode, we explore:The young person who leaves a six-figure job to figure out who he really isThe young person who discovers genuine happiness working with plants rather than following a traditional professional pathYoung people questioning the pressure to participate in alcohol and drug cultureWhy a different path isn't necessarily a lesser pathThe difference between guiding a child and designing their lifeHow parents can begin examining their own fears and expectationsDr. Shefali Tsabary's philosophy of conscious parenting and the idea that our children can become our teachers and awakenersWhy our children's accomplishments don't define our success as parentsThe difference between an impressive life and a meaningful lifeHow this same issue shows up in adults, entrepreneurs, and business leadersWhy a successful business, impressive title, or large income doesn't necessarily mean we're living an aligned lifeHow this connects to Sari's previous episode about numbers and the ways we measure ourselvesThe question: "Are we measuring the things that actually matter?"What it might look like to raise—and become—people who know themselvesA question for parents:Would I still want this for my child if nobody else ever knew about it?Who is my child actually showing me that they are?And for all of us:Who are you when nobody is impressed?Who are you when the numbers disappear?Who are you when the title disappears?Who are you when the résumé disappears?Are you living the life you were supposed to live—or the life that is actually yours?Maybe success isn't becoming impressive.Maybe success is becoming yourself.A note from SariThis episode is dedicated to the parents and young people I have the privilege of working with right now.I'm watching parents become more open, young people become more authentic, and families begin to question some of the definitions of success we've inherited.And I find that incredibly hopeful.Thank you for teaching me.Connect with SariSari Stone is a holistic coach, educator, and tutor who works with children, teens, young adults, business leaders, and parents, to help people come back to themselves, navigate change, and live with greater authenticity and alignment.Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In is about the conversations that help us Flow. Evolve. Transform.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedWhy Your Grades, Revenue, Followers & Downloads Don't Get to Define YouWhat happens when a number that is supposed to give us information starts telling us who we are?A grade becomes, “I'm not smart.”A slow month becomes, “I'm bad at business.”A number on the scale becomes, “I'm not good enough.”A drop in followers becomes, “Nobody cares.”And yes—even podcast downloads can become a measurement of our worth.In this episode, Sari shares a very personal realization: while coaching others not to become controlled by external validation,Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedWhat Are You Surrounding Yourself With? The Hidden Influences Shaping Your Energy, Sleep & Well-BeingWhat if your environment is influencing how you think, feel, learn, work, sleep, and connect more than you realize?And what if creating a better environment isn't about optimizing your life?It's about becoming more aware.In this episode of Just Count Me In, Sari Stone explores the environments we move through every day—from our homes and bedrooms to classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, digital spaces, and relationships.We talk about the light we wake up to, the noise we live with, the importance of silence, the chairs we sit in, movement breaks, exercise, creativity, nature, technology, and even the emotional environments we create for one another.With a new school year beginning, this conversation is especially relevant for teachers and school leaders thinking about classroom environments, parents creating supportive spaces at home, and business leaders thinking about how offices and meeting spaces can better support the humans inside them.And there's one question at the heart of the entire episode:What small change could we make in this environment to better support the humans inside it?In this episode, we explore:Why Sari believes awareness is more useful than constant self-optimizationHow light interacts with our circadian rhythms and sleepThe health effects associated with excessive environmental noiseWhy silence and periods without constant stimulation may be worth reconsideringHow physical spaces can influence attention and experienceWhy prolonged sitting matters and why movement belongs in schools and workplacesWhat research says about classroom movement and active breaksThe relationship between physical activity and executive functionWhy creativity deserves a place in children's environmentsHow ergonomic design can better support people at workHow nature may help restore attentionThe effect of digital interruptions and notificationsWhy our relationships are part of our environment, tooHow to think about feng shui and intentional spaces without turning them into another set of rulesUsing August 8 as a personal moment for reflection and intentionWhy the goal isn't to create the "perfect" environment—but a more human oneA question to take with you:What small change could you make in your environment to better support the human being inside it?You don't have to change everything.Notice one thing.Then choose.Research & Further ReadingLight, circadian rhythms & sleepChellappa et al. — Recommendations for daytime, evening, and nighttime indoor light exposure to best support physiology, sleep, and wakefulness in healthy adults.Read the research on PubMedBöhmer et al. — Are we still in the dark? A systematic review on personal daily light exposure, sleep-wake rhythm, and mood.Read the systematic review on PubMedEnvironmental noiseWorld Health Organization — Guidance on environmental noise and associated health effects, including sleep disturbance, cardiovascular risks, and cognitive impacts.Read the WHO guidanceMovement, exercise & the brainMao et al. — 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis examining cognitively engaging physical activity and executive function in children and adolescents.Read the research on PubMedTeng et al. — 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis examining cognitively engaging physical activity and executive function in children and adolescents.Read the 2025 research on PubMedBrain breaks & schoolsReyes-Amigo et al. — 2025 systematic review of school-based active breaks, classroom behavior, executive functions, and physical fitness.Read the systematic review on PubMedSitting, chairs & ergonomicsRhodes et al. — Systematic review examining sedentary behavior and health in adults.Read the research on PubMedLeyshon et al. — Systematic review of ergonomic interventions for office workers.Read the ergonomic research on PubMedChannak et al. — Systematic review examining chair interventions and lower-back pain/discomfort among office workers.Read the chair research on PubMedNature & attentionStevenson et al. — Systematic review examining Attention Restoration Theory and exposure to natural environments.Read the research on PubMedCreativity & well-beingHugh-Jones et al. — 2025 systematic review examining arts and creative activities and adolescent mental health and well-being.Read the research on PubMedDigital interruptionsResearch examining communication notifications found that reducing notification-related interruptions was associated with improved performance and reduced strain in a workplace field experiment.Read the study on PubMedThe takeaway: You don't need to optimize your life.You can begin by noticing.Notice the light.Notice the noise.Notice your body.Notice your surroundings.Notice what enters your mind.And then ask:Does this environment support the human being I want to be?Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InHave you ever said yes when your heart wanted to say no?This may be the most important episode I've recorded because it isn't really about alcohol. It's about every time we've abandoned ourselves to belong.This isn't an episode about judging people who drink.It's an invitation to ask yourself one powerful question:"Am I making this choice because it aligns with who I am...or because I'm afraid of what people will think?"If you've ever felt pressured to be someone you're not, this conversation is for you.For many people, alcohol isn't really about alcohol.It's about belonging.It's about fitting in at work, at family gatherings, on first dates, at celebrations, and even among friends. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that saying "no" meant risking judgment, exclusion, or being labeled as different.In this episode of Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In, Sari Stone explores the deeper psychology behind social drinking, people-pleasing, and the fear of standing out.You'll hear powerful real-life stories, including:The Wall Street executive who hid the fact that he doesn't drink because it could have impacted his career.A 15 year old whose relationship with alcohol landed her in the hospital.Why so many intelligent, successful people ignore their own intuition simply to fit in.The neuroscience behind belonging and social acceptance.How living authentically creates confidence that no external approval ever can.Journal Questions• What would I choose if I knew no one would judge me?• Where in my life am I performing instead of being authentic?• What parts of myself have I hidden in order to belong?• Who am I when I stop trying to earn acceptance?• What would change if I trusted myself more than I trusted other people's opinions?If this episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs permission to be fully themselves.Authenticity is contagious.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailHave you ever stopped to wonder if you're truly appreciating your life—or simply reacting to it?In this episode of Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In, Sari Stone explores the profound difference between gratitude and appreciation and why this simple shift in perspective can transform your relationships, leadership, parenting, and even the way you experience yourself.Appreciation isn't toxic positivity. It's not pretending everything is okay or putting a smiley face on an empty gas tank. It's learning to see clearly, respond intentionally, and recognize the value that already exists—even in life's challenges.Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, leadership principles, and spiritual wisdom, Sari shares how appreciation helps us move beyond constant reaction and into conscious awareness.In this episode, you'll discover:Why appreciation goes deeper than gratitudeHow your brain's negativity bias influences your relationshipsWhy appreciation is one of the most powerful leadership skillsHow appreciating children builds confidence and resilienceThe role appreciation plays in healthier marriages and friendshipsWhy difficult emotions can become valuable messengersHow "God's Got It" became a daily reminder to release control and trust the next stepThis episode is an invitation to stop focusing on what's missing and begin seeing the gifts, strengths, and opportunities that have been there all along.Reflection QuestionsAm I appreciating life or simply reacting to it?What person in my life needs to know they are appreciated for who they are?What challenge is inviting me to grow instead of just survive?Where am I focusing on what's missing instead of what's already present?What do I appreciate about myself today?If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a new perspective.Because sometimes the greatest transformation doesn't happen when life changes...It happens when we change the way we see life.LinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedInstagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedSuccess isn’t always what it seems.In this deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Stewart  Crown, an entrepreneur who built significant wealth, lost it, rebuilt it, and then faced the unimaginable loss of his wife and daughter. Through heartbreak, resilience, and profound personal growth, Stewart discovered that the greatest measure of success isn’t found in a bank account—it’s found in the heart.We explore how failure can become our greatest teacher, why identity often gets tied to achievement, what grief reveals about what truly matters, and how redefining success can lead to a richer, more meaningful life.Whether you’re rebuilding after a setback, questioning your definition of success, or searching for purpose beyond achievement, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and perspective.In this episode, we discuss:Building wealth—and losing itHow failure reshapes identityLiving through unimaginable griefThe difference between external success and inner fulfillmentRedefining abundanceWhy vulnerability is a strengthCreating a legacy that lasts beyond moneyIf this episode speaks to you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this message today.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InWhat if the life you've always dreamed of isn't waiting at the end of the line everyone else is standing in?Many of us inherit more than our family's eye color—we inherit beliefs about money, success, relationships, work, fear, and what's "possible." Some of those beliefs helped previous generations survive. But they don't have to define your future.In this episode of Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In, Sari Stone explores what it means to leave the line—to honor those who came before you while choosing a different path toward greater freedom, purpose, and possibility.Drawing from her own journey, her grandparents' immigration to America, and inspiring stories from history and the remarkable guests she's interviewed, Sari explains why courage often requires stepping away from what's familiar—and why that's exactly where growth begins.You'll also learn the neuroscience behind why change feels so uncomfortable, why our brains are wired to conform, and how every courageous choice strengthens new pathways that make future growth easier.Whether you're starting a business, changing careers, becoming sober, ending generational patterns of poverty or abuse, improving your relationships, or simply deciding to stop settling for less, this episode will remind you that someone has to be the first.Why not you?In this episode, you'll discover:• Why we naturally follow "the line" • How family beliefs shape our lives • The neuroscience of courage and conformity • The hidden price—and incredible reward—of choosing a different path • Why honoring your ancestors doesn't mean repeating their limitations • Reflection questions to help you identify the line you're ready to leaveYou don't stand in your ancestors' shadow. You stand on their shoulders.If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to step into the life that's waiting on the other side of the line.Influential Women VerifiedFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedI connect the 4th of July idea of independence to a deeper kind of freedom that no one can hand you and no one can take away. I walk through how self-trust, nervous system safety, and living in alignment with your values creates the quiet confidence to be yourself at home, at work, and in relationships. This Fourth of July, we’re exploring a deeper kind of independence—the freedom that begins within. While external freedom gives us choices, inner freedom shapes how we live, lead, love, parent, and build our businesses. Drawing on timeless wisdom from thinkers such as Emerson, Thoreau, Wayne Dyer, Esther Hicks, Joe Dispenza, and Viktor Frankl, , this episode invites you to discover the kind of freedom that no circumstance can take away.Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In with Sari StoneFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedDedicated to Teddy and Griffin; may you always keep your spark alive! What if the secret to a more fulfilling life isn't achieving more—but reconnecting with the spark you already have?After spending time with her grandsons, Sari reflects on the contagious nature of curiosity, imagination, engagement, and joy. Drawing from neuroscience, flow research, coaching experience, and personal observation, she explores why so many adults lose touch with the activities and relationships that make them feel alive.In this episode, you'll discover:• The difference between stimulation and true engagement • Why dopamine isn't the same as fulfillment • The science of flow and why it matters • How mirror neurons and social contagion influence our energy • Why leaders, parents, teachers, and coaches need to protect their spark • Practical questions to help you reconnect with what makes you come aliveKey Question:What helps you feel most alive?If this episode resonates, share it with someone who could use a little more spark in their life.Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In with Sari StoneConnect with Sari StoneIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. If you are interested in summer coaching with Sari, or would like to offer your children this gift, please message Sari.Your support helps us reach more people with messages of hope, growth, resilience, and transformation.Remember:Life is always inviting us into the next version of ourselves. It already exists, we just need to align with it.Just count me in.Buzzsprout-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInInfluential Women VerifiedAs we approach the Summer Solstice, Father's Day, family celebrations, and the halfway point of the year, many of us find ourselves standing between what has been and what is yet to come. Sari learned through her own life that some of the greatest possibilities arrive long before we have proof they're possible.In this reflective episode, she explores the power of pausing long enough to recognize how far we've come before rushing toward what's next. Drawing from neuroscience, personal stories, life transitions, and the natural rhythms of the seasons, she invites listeners to take inventory of their growth, honor the people who helped shape them, and reconnect with hope and possibility.Recorded during a season of family milestones—including a granddaughter's college graduation and a grandson's kindergarten graduation—this episode is a reminder that life unfolds in cycles and that transformation often begins in the quiet moments between chapters.Whether you're navigating change, seeking clarity, building a business, leading a team, raising a family, or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, reflect, and remain open to the possibilities still waiting to emerge.In This Episode We Discuss:• Why the Summer Solstice offers a powerful opportunity for reflection• The neuroscience of transitions, uncertainty, and resilience• How reflection helps transform experience into wisdom• Honoring fathers, mentors, teachers, coaches, and those who helped build our foundations• Healthy masculine energy as structure, direction, commitment, and support• The importance of recognizing life milestones and transitions• Why hope is more than wishful thinking• How possibility often appears before certainty• The connection between personal growth, leadership, and self-awareness• Questions to help you reset and realign for the second half of the yearReflection QuestionsTake a few moments to journal or reflect on these questions:✨ What has grown in my life during the first half of this year?✨ What challenge has strengthened me?✨ Who has helped shape the person I am becoming?✨ What am I ready to release?✨ What possibility am I being called toward?✨ What would become possible if I trusted myself a little more?Key TakeawayYour story is not finished.No matter where you are today, there is more possibility available than you can currently see.The Summer Solstice reminds us that light reveals what has been growing beneath the surface. When we pause long enough to acknowledge our progress, honor our journey, and remain open to new possibilities, we create space for the next chapter to unfold.Connect with Sari StoneIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. If you are interested in summer coaching with Sari, or would like to offer your children this gift, please message Sari.Your support helps us reach more people with messages of hope, growth, resilience, and transformation.Remember:Life is always inviting us into the next version of ourselves. It already exists, we just need to align with it.Just count me in.Buzzsprout-Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailWhat if the moments that seem most uncertain are actually the moments that shape your life?In this inspiring conversation, Sari sits down with Max Gloeckner, entrepreneur, global speaker, community builder, and explorer of consciousness, to discuss a life guided not by rigid plans but by intuition, curiosity, and the courage to follow what calls you forward.At twenty years old, Max made a decision that would alter the course of his life forever. He walked away from the path he was expected to follow, bought a one-way ticket to Australia, and stepped into complete uncertainty. What followed was a journey through iron ore mines in the Australian desert, entrepreneurship in Bangkok, global travel, and ultimately a deeper exploration of consciousness, frequency, and human potential.In this episode, Max shares:• Why challenges can become opportunities for growth • Growing up feeling confined by traditional systems • Lessons learned from being the "misfit" in school • The unexpected gifts that came from his parents' divorce • Why he joined the military and what it taught him • The courage required to leave certainty behind • Trusting intuition when logic cannot explain the next step • The relationship between uncertainty and possibility • Reinvention as a key component of success • Why an open mind may be life's greatest asset • Discovering Telos and the concept of soul mapping • Following curiosity as a pathway to purposeOne of the most powerful ideas from this conversation is that uncertainty is not something to fear—it is often where the magic begins.If you've ever felt called toward something you couldn't explain, questioned whether the conventional path was right for you, or wondered how to trust yourself more deeply, this episode is for you.Sometimes the next step isn't visible.Sometimes you simply feel the pull.And sometimes that's enough.Listen now and discover what can happen when you trust the journey before you can see the destination..LinkedInFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailLinkedInBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InWe often think our words simply describe our reality. Neuroscience suggests something deeper: our words help shape what we notice, expect, and experience.In this episode, we explore:Why your brain is constantly listening to your languageThe role of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)How neuroplasticity strengthens repeated thoughtsThe connection between self-talk and stressThe language parents pass to childrenHow leaders create culture through wordsThe hidden scripts many men, women, and teens carryPractical ways to become more intentional with your languageKey TakeawayYour words are not magic. They are instructions. Your brain uses them to decide what matters, what to notice, and who you believe yourself to be.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailThe Plan Changed. The Dream Didn't.What if being "off track" is actually part of the path?For years, we've been taught that success comes from setting goals, creating plans, tracking progress, and staying disciplined enough to reach the destination.But what happens when life presents an opportunity that wasn't part of the plan?In this episode of Just Count Me In, Sari shares the deeply personal story of how a dream of relocating to South Carolina unfolded in a way she never could have predicted. What started as a clear goal and timeline transformed into something far better than the original plan.Along the way, she explores:• Why our brains crave structure and certainty• The neuroscience behind goal-setting and planning• The difference between having direction and becoming attached to a specific route• The dangers of having no structure at all• The hidden cost of becoming married to a plan• How intuition and action work together• Why "being off track" may actually be life's redirection• What this means for students choosing careers, adults seeking change, and business owners pursuing growthMost importantly, you'll learn how to hold a vision while remaining open to possibilities you could never have planned.Reflection QuestionsWhat feeling are you truly seeking beneath your goals?Where might you be forcing a plan that no longer fits?What standards do you want to live by regardless of the outcome?What opportunities might be waiting beyond your current timeline?What if you're not off track at all?Key TakeawayThe dream didn't change.The vision didn't change.The feeling didn't change.Only the path changed.Connect with Sari StoneFollow Just Count Me InShare this episode with someone navigating their own breakthrough seasonLeave a review to help more listeners discover the showLinkedInBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedInstagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Just Count Me In, I sit down with Zac Deane — entrepreneur, podcast host, and someone deeply focused on sharing successful entrepreneurs' transformational “breakthrough moments” in both business and life.Zac shares the deeply personal experiences that reshaped his path, including losing his business, relationship, and sense of identity before rebuilding from a completely different foundation. This conversation moves beyond surface-level motivation into the real work of growth: listening inward, making aligned decisions, and taking action before you feel fully ready.We also explore:The connection between health, mindset, and entrepreneurshipWhy many high achievers still feel disconnected internallyHow podcasting creates trust and authentic human connectionMasculine and feminine energy in leadership and businessThe role of adversity in personal transformationWhat “breakthrough moments” really look like in everyday lifeRebuilding after burnout, heartbreak, or failureWhy authenticity is becoming the new currencyIf you’ve ever felt like your life looked successful on the outside but disconnected on the inside, as though the best parts of you have yet to be expressed, and you have so much more to give, this episode will resonate deeply.About Zac DeaneZac Deane is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and coach focused on helping founders and creators share transformational breakthroughs in business and personal growth. Through long-form conversations and coaching, he explores the mindset, identity shifts, and decisions that create lasting change. Connect with ZacZac Deane Official WebsiteThe Breakthrough Moment PodcastZac Deane LinkedInConnect with Sari StoneFollow Just Count Me InShare this episode with someone navigating their own breakthrough seasonLeave a review to help more listeners discover the showThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the difference between commitment and devotion—and why understanding both matters in parenting, leadership, business, relationships, and personal growth.We discuss:Why commitment and devotion feel emotionally differentThe neuroscience of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivationSelf-Determination Theory and resilienceWhether devotion can actually be cultivatedBruce Lipton, Marisa Peer, David Hawkins, and Wayne Dyer’s perspectives on identity, meaning, and emotional energyParenting children through discomfort without teaching avoidanceLeadership, business culture, and expectation mismatchesWhy devotion is identity-based while commitment is behavioralThe balance between flow, responsibility, discipline, and alignmentKey ConceptsIntrinsic vs extrinsic motivationIdentity-based behaviorNeuroplasticityEmotional resilienceLeadership cultureParenting and gritAlignment vs avoidanceSustainable motivationMeaning and belongingBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailThis episode explores why life transitions—graduation, empty nesting, sobriety, loss, and reinvention—can feel disorienting, even when they’re positive. Through neuroscience, psychology, and cultural insight, we unpack how identity shifts happen, why we often self-sabotage during growth, and how reclaiming simple rituals can help us move through change with more clarity and connection.What We Cover:Why endings disrupt identity (not just circumstances)The “identity lag” and how long change really takesNeuroplasticity and how the brain forms a new self-conceptThe “upper limit” problem and self-sabotage patternsWhy modern society struggles with transitionsThe loss of rites of passage and its impactHow technology fragments attention during key life momentsSimple ways to create personal rituals for changeKey Takeaway:Endings are not just something to get through—they are something to mark. When we intentionally acknowledge transitions, we help our brain and nervous system integrate the new identity more fully.Call to Action:Take 5 minutes today to create a simple ritual to honor something you’re letting go of.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedIW BadgeBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedEpisode Summary:This episode explores the often-overlooked third layer of alignment: letting go. After setting boundaries and making aligned decisions, true growth requires releasing what no longer fits—whether in relationships, business, or personal identity.Key Concepts:Cognitive dissonance as a signal, not a flawHow neuroplasticity shifts your standardsThe cost of avoiding clear decisionsLetting go as a leadership skillTakeaways:Misalignment often shows up as resentment or frustrationGrowth changes what you can tolerateAvoiding “no” creates long-term frictionLetting go creates space for alignmentCTA:If you’re navigating a decision, relationship, or leadership challenge and want clarity without the emotional noise, I offer 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you move with precision and confidence.Thank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailInfluential Women VerifiedBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InWhy boundaries feel like conflict—and how to build systems that actually support your valuesEpisode Summary:This episode explores the hidden cost of unclear agreements and why boundaries often feel like conflict—especially when they’re enforced late. Through two real-life examples, we unpack how alignment breaks down when structure isn’t in place, and how to rebuild it in a way that actually holds.Key Topics:Alignment vs. attachmentWhy unclear expectations create emotional decisionsThe neuroscience of pattern disruption and loss aversionReactive vs. proactive boundariesHow to create systems that support your valuesKey Takeaways:If it’s not consistently enforced, it’s not a boundary—it’s a preferenceFlexibility without structure leads to misalignmentLate boundaries feel like conflict, even when they’re fairAlignment requires systems, not just awarenessCTA:If you’re navigating a transition, decision, or boundary in your life or business and want support creating alignment that actually holds, reach out about coaching sessions.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailInfluential Women VerifiedBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InMost people are taught to make decisions using logic alone—but research across neuroscience, physiology, and leadership shows that true clarity comes from integrating three intelligence systems: the head, the heart, and the gut. In this episode, we break down what each contributes, why over-relying on the brain leads to burnout and misalignment, and how to make decisions that actually feel right—not just look right.Key Takeaways:Head-only decisions often lead to overthinking and misalignmentThe gut provides fast, instinctive pattern recognitionThe heart connects decisions to values and authenticityDecision fatigue is real—and integration reduces itAlignment creates clarity faster than analysisThe Alignment Framework:Ask yourself:Does this make sense? (Head)Does this feel aligned? (Heart)Does this feel right? (Gut)References Mentioned:Chris Voss – Never Split the DifferenceJoe Dispenza – brain and behavior patternsHeartMath Institute – heart-brain connectionRoy Baumeister – decision fatigueCall To Action:If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start making aligned decisions with clarity and confidence, reach out for coaching sessions. This is the exact work we do together.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIW BadgeSuccess Isn’t One Thing—And That’s the ProblemOverview:What does success really mean? In this episode, we explore how differing definitions of success create misalignment in leadership, parenting, and personal life—and how to fix it. Through real-world insights and a practical framework, you’ll learn how to define success with clarity and intention.Key Topics:Why success feels confusing (and why that’s normal)The Four Lenses of Success: Personal, Relational, Performance, LegacyMisalignment in leadership and team dynamicsThe hidden gap between what parents want vs. what they measureAligned Success: a better way forwardA powerful question to create clarity immediatelyKey Takeaway:Success is not one universal definition—it’s contextual. Alignment happens when we define it clearly and communicate it intentionally.Call to Action:Ready to create alignment in your life or leadership? Book a 1:1 coaching session to clarify your vision of success and build a path that actually feels as good as it looks.Influential Women VerifiedBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailAlignment Reset FormInfluential Women VerifiedIW BadgeEpisode DescriptionYou’re not stuck because you lack clarity. You’re stuck because you keep overriding it.In this episode, we go deeper into alignment—not as a concept, but as a lived experience. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, second-guessing yourself, or stretched between expectations, this conversation will help you understand why.We explore the hidden pattern of over-adjustment—how constantly calibrating yourself to meet external expectations disconnects you from your internal truth.Backed by insights from neuroscience and psychology, you’ll learn why your brain is wired to prioritize belonging, how that leads to subtle misalignment, and what you can do to interrupt the pattern in real time.This is a wake-up call—but also a way forward.What You’ll LearnWhy misalignment is often a result of over-adjustment, not confusionHow the brain processes social rejection as a threat (and why that matters)The concept of cognitive dissonance and how it drains your energyWhat self-congruence is and why it leads to clarity and confidenceHow over-adjustment shows up in leadership, parenting, and daily decisionsSimple, practical ways to reconnect with your internal alignmentKey TakeawaysYou don’t need more information—you need to stop overriding what you already knowAlignment is not something you create; it’s something you uncoverThe cost of staying misaligned is subtle but cumulativeTrue belonging doesn’t require you to adjust who you arResearch & ReferencesSocial pain and the brain (anterior cingulate cortex and rejection response)Self-congruence theory in psychologyGoogle’s Project Aristotle (psychological safety in teams)Work of Carl Rogers on authenticity and self-acceptanceResearch and writing by Brené Brown on belonging vs. fitting inBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIW BadgeKey Concepts DiscussedWhy alignment requires practice, not just awarenessHow constant device exposure increases stress and reduces presenceThe impact of attention fragmentation on leadership and parentingThe connection between screen use, anxiety, and reduced emotional regulationDesigning environments that support clarity, connection, and performanceResearch-Informed Ideascognitive load: Excess stimulation reduces your ability to think clearlydopamine reward system: Devices reinforce habitual checking and distractionattention residue: Your brain stays partially focused on your phone—even when you’re not using itoxytocin: Human connection supports regulation and trustPractical Takeaways1. Protect Your AttentionNo phones during mealsNo phones in meetings (remove from the room if possible)Use one communal device if needed2. Implement the “First Hour / Last Hour Rule”No screens the first hour of your dayNo screens the last hour before bed3. Create Device-Free ZonesDinner tableBedroomsTeam meetings / classrooms4. Practice Daily AlignmentAsk yourself:“Does this reflect who I am?”“Am I fully present right now?”Leadership ApplicationPhone-free meetings improve engagement and clarityPresence increases trust and team performanceBetter thinking happens in uninterrupted environmentsParenting ApplicationModel intentional tech useProtect connection timeSupport emotional regulation through real interactionResource MentionedYour Amazing Teen Brain (aligns with discussion on screen use and anxiety in younger generations)Reflection PromptWhere is your attention going… and is that where you want your life to go?Buzzsprout-Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIW BadgeShownotes LinkAlignment Is a Leadership Advantage (Not a Luxury)Summary:In this episode, we explore alignment as a measurable driver of leadership, mindful parenting,  effectiveness, decision-making clarity, and long-term performance. Drawing from real-life reflection, behavioral science, and leadership research, this conversation reframes alignment from a personal concept into a strategic advantage.Key Topics:The hidden cost of misalignment in leadership and lifeCognitive dissonance and its impact on performanceStress, identity, and decision-making researchLeadership presence and team responseParenting through modeling vs. controlInnovation and the “Zone of Genius”Identity renewal and seasonal recalibrationResearch References:Harvard University – Adult development, well-being, and relational healthStanford University – Stress mindset and performance researchHeart-brain coherence and autonomic regulation studiesReflection Questions:Where am I out of alignment right now?What am I maintaining that no longer fits?Where am I leading from pressure instead of clarity?What would change if I trusted my internal signals more?Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIW BadgeEpisode SummaryDedicated to Isaac. What happens when we continue doing something meaningful even after the audience disappears?In this episode, we explore a story about recovery, cooking, and an unexpected dinner that illustrates a deeper principle: intrinsic motivation.Drawing from psychology, leadership science, and behavioral research, we examine how acting from alignment — rather than approval — builds stronger teams, more resilient families, and healthier teens.Sometimes the most important work happens when the room is empty.Some of the inventions that we value most happened because someone stuck with it even when no one was in the room Because it felt right. Wayne Dyer said, "Some people do things right. "No limits" people do the right thing.And sometimes… that’s exactly when the right people show up.Key Takeaways• Intrinsic motivation leads to sustained growth and resilience • Alignment produces better leadership than approval-seeking • Parents can model internal motivation for their children • Teens benefit from learning to follow values rather than crowds • Environment and identity play a major role in behavior changeReflection QuestionsWhat do you continue doing even when no one is watching?Where in your life are you waiting for approval before acting?What small action this week would align with the person you want to become?Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedBuzzsprout-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the truth about real influence and why it has nothing to do with status, performance, or visibility. True influence comes from alignment—when your life, values, and words match. This episode breaks down how parents, leaders, and teens can embody integrity and create meaningful impact through presence, honesty, and self-trust.Key Takeaways:Influence is created through alignment, not performanceChildren learn more from who you are than what you sayLeadership authority is built through integrity, not titlesTeens build influence through self-trust, not popularityReal authority is developed privately before it’s visible publiclyJOURNAL PROMPTSWhere in my life am I performing instead of living honestly?What values matter most to me—and am I living them daily?Where am I seeking validation instead of trusting myself?What would alignment look like in my parenting, leadership, or personal life?What small action today would bring my life and my values closer together?Thank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIW BadgeConflict isn’t the opposite of connection. Unregulated conflict is.In this episode, we explore why disagreement feels threatening, what neuroscience reveals about our fear of speaking up, and how healthy conflict becomes the birthplace of innovation, intimacy, and expansion.In This Episode We Cover:1. Why Silence Feels Safer Than DisagreementResearch from Amy Edmondson at Harvard Business School shows that high-performing teams aren’t conflict-free — they’re psychologically safe. Safety allows dissent without loss of belonging.2. Why Dissent Makes Groups SmarterStudies by Charlan Nemeth demonstrate that minority opinions increase creativity and prevent premature consensus — even when the dissenting view is incorrect.3. The Nervous System & ConflictAccording to Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory, disagreement can register as threat when past experiences linked speaking up to rejection or punishment. The body reacts before the intellect engages.4. Creative Tension as ExpansionPeter Senge describes “creative tension” as the gap between current reality and a desired future — the very space that generates growth.5. Regulating Before RespondingPractical vagal practices to stay grounded:Inhale 4, exhale 6Feel feet on the floorName shared intentionSeparate ideas from identityKey TakeawaysSilence protects short-term comfort but sacrifices long-term growth.Task conflict strengthens outcomes; personal conflict erodes trust.Regulation is the prerequisite to productive disagreement.Creative tension is a sign of expansion, not dysfunction.Reflection QuestionsWhere do I avoid disagreement to preserve belonging?What early experiences shaped how I interpret conflict?Can I feel physiological activation without collapsing or attacking?What would it look like to stay curious instead of defensive?Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we explore why people hold back ideas — from students in a classroom to executives in corporate meetings — and what happens when we create environments where ideas are freely shared and heard. We unpack the concept of psychological safety, the science behind it, and real-world implications for innovation, learning, and collaboration.🎧 Key Concepts Covered1) What Psychological Safety IsPsychological safety is defined as a shared belief that a team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking — where people can speak up, admit mistakes, ask questions, and share ideas without fear of embarrassment or retribution. 2) Why People Don’t Share IdeasHumans are socially wired — fear of judgment, rejection, or embarrassment can suppress contribution.In learning environments, students often hesitate to share because of social risk or unestablished trust. Research on group learning shows that students may use conversational strategies (like hedging or joking) to protect themselves when sharing ideas. 3) Psychological Safety Drives InnovationHarvard Business School research by Amy Edmondson highlights that psychologically safe teams are more capable of learning, experimentation, and innovation. Google’s internal research, known as Project Aristotle, found that psychological safety was the strongest predictor of team success — more so than individual talent, tenure, or team composition. In work environments, psychological safety enhances knowledge sharing, idea generation, and adaptive performance. 4) Innovation + DiversityCreating climates where diverse voices feel safe dramatically improves innovation outcomes. Psychological safety allows a wider range of perspectives to be heard and integrated. 5) Psychological Safety in Learning SpacesStudents learn more when they feel safe to express ideas, engage with peers, and revise thinking. Project-based learning and collaborative classrooms show that supportive psychological climates increase student creativity and engagement. 🧠 Actionable TakeawaysFor Leaders & Managers:Cultivate meeting norms where dissent is invited, not punished.Model vulnerability and admit your own mistakes to signal safety.Encouraging questions openly and redirecting blame from individuals to processes fosters trust.For Educators & Parents:Offer multiple ways to contribute (written responses, small-group brainstorms).Normalize idea development — that thinking evolves, and being wrong is part of learning.📚 References & Suggested ReadingEdmondson, A. C., The Fearless Organization – foundational work on psychological safety and innovation. Google’s Project Aristotle — long-term research into team effectiveness and psychological safety. Harvard Graduate School of Education, Why Psychological Safety Matters in Class.Conlin & Scherr, Making Space to Sensemake — academic research on risk and idea-sharing in classroom discussions. Learning Policy Institute strategies for building psychological safety in classrooms.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailEpisode Description:As we move into a new era of human-centered leadership, fear-based models in business, education, and parenting are no longer sustainable. In this episode, we use the cultural superstition of Friday the 13th as a case study to explore how inherited beliefs shape behavior — and how values-based awareness can transform the way we lead, parent, and make decisions.This conversation is especially relevant for:Business owners building values-driven companiesParents raising emotionally intelligent children and teensLeaders navigating uncertainty with integrity and clarityKey Themes:The shift from fear-based to values-based systemsEmotional intelligence as a leadership skillTeaching discernment instead of compliancePreparing the next generation for a rapidly changing worldFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedIW BadgeThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this Season Two opener, we explore why hitting the snooze button may be disrupting your nervous system, how sleep cycles influence morning focus, and why writing down intentions can transform your day. Learn how small, intentional morning habits improve clarity, reduce stress, and help you show up more grounded — even if you have kids or a busy schedule. Perfect for anyone seeking a calmer, more purposeful start.Topics Covered: – Sleep cycles and morning grogginess – Why snoozing increases sleep inertia – Procrastination as a stress response – The neuroscience of writing intentions – Morning practices for busy lives – How tiny habits create lasting changeFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedIW BadgeThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan Mail             “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”   Wayne GretzkyWhat if clarity doesn’t come before change — but through courageous conversation?In this episode, Sari explores why we avoid important conversations, how our nervous system responds to emotional stakes, and why courage is the gateway to clarity. Drawing from neuroscience, Mel Robbins’ activation tools, Seth Godin’s insights on bravery, and real-life stories from students, parents, and business leaders, this episode offers a practical framework for navigating uncomfortable conversations with confidence and compassion.You’ll learn how to regulate your emotions, speak with intention, and co-create solutions — whether you’re talking to a teacher, employer, roommate, client, or loved one.Because the conversations we avoid often hold the clarity we seek. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why “hard conversations” feel hard (and what your brain has to do with it) How fear activates the amygdala and blocks clarity Why courage must come before clarity Seth Godin’s perspective on bravery and resistance How Mel Robbins’ 5-4-3-2-1 rule helps you take action despite fear A simple C³ framework for courageous conversations How to speak with curiosity instead of defensiveness What to do when conversations feel tense or unresolved Why most people regret what they didn’t say more than what they did Journal prompts to help you prepare for your own meaningful conversationsFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedIW BadgeThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailWe explore how resistance after a big yes can be preparation, not a stop sign. Through personal stories, client examples, neuroscience, and the CHANGE framework, we show how to build capacity, align with values, and let confidence grow with calling.• clarity followed by tests that reveal capacity gaps• redefining success beyond vanity metrics and gatekeeping• reframing resistance as information and preparation• nervous system safety, regulation and bandwidth• leaders modeling grounded presence that cultures can feel• the CHANGE framework: clear, heart, align, nourish, gratitude, enjoyIf you like this episode, please let me know. Stop by at social media on Instagram or my Facebook page, Just Count Me In and please leave a commentIf there's anybody that you think could benefit from this episode, please forward it to themFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedIW BadgeThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIW BadgeA quiet grounding episode honoring the power in the pause, the dark moon, and the science of integration- released as a threshold between what has been and what is becoming.Please hit the subscribe button, download, and share it with them I would love it if you left me a comment on Apple Podcast as well Stop by at social media on Instagram or my Facebook page, just count me in, and please leave a comment If there's anybody that you think could benefit from this episode, please forward it to themInfluential Women VerifiedInstagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal episode, Sari reflects on the women who shaped her life—not through goals or achievements, but through the standards they embodied.From a mother who lived ahead of her time and taught the cost of silencing one’s truth, to a grandmother who survived unimaginable trauma and still chose love, to the women who steadied, inspired, and called her forward—this episode is a tribute to legacy, resilience, creativity, and becoming.This conversation invites listeners to reflect on the standards they inherited, the ones they live by, and the legacy they are shaping for the generations to come.In This Episode, You’ll ExploreThe difference between goals and standardsHow women transmit values through lived exampleIntergenerational resilience and healingCreativity, survival, and living authenticallyWhy unfinished dreams often become inherited callingsReflection QuestionWhose standards are shaping your life—and which ones are asking to be reclaimed?Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InInfluential Women VerifiedIW BadgeThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailInfluential Women VerifiedAs the year comes to a close, many people feel pressure to set goals and define the future — even while exhausted.In this episode, we explore a different approach:What if alignment matters more than goals?Drawing from neuroscience research, lived experience, and reflective practice, this episode explores how chronic stress often stems from incongruence — the gap between who we truly are and who we feel we need to be.You’ll learn:Why alignment is a nervous system state, not a mindsetHow incongruence keeps the brain in survival modeWhy choosing a personal standard can feel more regulating than setting goalsA short regulation practice to help you reconnect with what feels honestThis episode is for anyone seeking clarity, ease, and truth as they enter the new year.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailAfter a week of deep presence with family, we unpack the difference between doing what looks right and choosing what feels true, and why that distinction changes everything from motivation to joy. What if the most powerful shift you make this year isn’t a bigger goal, but a softer nervous system? What are you no longer available for? What are you now ready for? We pull back the curtain on fear-based habits and performance pressure to reveal a steadier path: alignment you can feel in your body, not just measure on a calendar. You’ll hear how safety and connection unlock the brain’s natural learning systems and how to spot alignment.  We share practical ways to close the year with integrity and start the next one with clarity.  If you identify as sensitive, thoughtful, or burnt out by demands at work, school, or home, this conversation offers permission and tools to create the conditions you need to thrive.We also talk about our private, highly personal coaching for those who want guidance in nervous system regulation, self-trust, and aligned action. Whether you’re ready for 1:1 support or simply want a place to breathe and reflect, you’ll leave with kinder questions and doable steps that make real change possible. If this resonated, subscribe, share with someone who needs it today, and leave a review to help more listeners find their way to alignment.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan Mail Presence Over Performance: The Gift That Matters More Than PerfectionWhat if the most meaningful gift you could give isn’t something you buy — but how you show up?In this episode of Transform Your Life: Just Count Me In, we explore the powerful shift from performance to presence— especially during the holidays, but also in everyday life. Not every family looks like a Hallmark movie, and that’s okay. In fact, letting go of perfection may be the very thing that brings us closer.Through gentle reflection, simple neuroscience, and wisdom from Maya Angelou, Brené Brown, Ram Dass, and Thich Nhat Hanh, this episode offers permission to soften expectations, release pressure, and reconnect with what truly matters.People may not remember what you bought them — but they will remember how you made them feel.This episode is for parents, families, sensitive souls, and anyone who feels the weight of trying to “get it right,” and is ready to choose presence instead.In this episode, you’ll explore:Presence over performance during the holidays and beyondWhy perfectionism creates pressure instead of connectionHow family imperfection is normal — not a failureThe nervous system science behind why calm presence mattersWhy emotional memory lasts longer than material giftsA gentle winter solstice reflection on rest and stillnessSimple, meaningful ways to give the gift of presenceIncludes a short guided presence practice to help you slow down, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect — even in difficult or imperfect moments.Key reminder:You don’t have to perform to be loved.Your presence is already enough.If you’re ready to trade pressure for presence, this is your gentle invitation. Follow the show, share it with someone who needs a softer season, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find their way to calmer, kinder holidays. Your presence is already the gift—thanks for bringing it here.Instagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan Mail The holidays are meant to be a season of miracles, belief, love, and light. In this conversation, we get honest about the invisible pressure of December and choose a different path: presence over performance, fullness over fear, and a steady, sustainable glow over short bursts of forced cheer. We explore how holiday pressure collides with the season’s natural call to rest, and how shifting from performance to presence restores calm, connection and joy. We unpack the neuroscience of stress, offer a simple body check for aligned giving and remind ourselves that love never asks for proof.You'll learn how to:Understand holiday pressure through the nervous systemRelease over-giving without losing generosityAlign with the natural inward energy of winterBring light with without burning yourself outRemember that you are already enoughThis episode is for anyone longing for peace, simplicity, and authentic connection during the holidays.Thank you for giving the gift of your time by listening to this podcast I hope it alleviates pressure so that you are free to enjoy and fully experience this season of giving.If this spoke to you, subscribe for weekly tools and reflections, share it with someone who could use a gentler season, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your presence helps this community grow.Instagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailGratitude is more than a feeling-it's a practice, a perspective, and a powerful spiritual force. In this heart opening episode we explore the sacred layers of gratitude=from appreciating what's visible to trusting the unseen miracles still unfolding. We reflect on the power of light in darkness, the courage to believe before proof appears, and how faith becomes a bridge between where you are and the miracles ahead. This episode is for anyone feeling discouraged, or longing to reconnect with hope, trust, and meaning. Whether you are on a spiritual path, a personal growth journey, navigating grief, parenting challenges, or simply craving deeper meaning-this episode will gently guide you back to hope, trust, light, and divine timing. This is for listeners searching for a gratitude practice, faith in hard times, spiritual healing, holiday meaning,  emotional resilience, and trusting diving timing. fatih and trust, spiritual growth, miracle mindset, transformation, emotional healing, holiday reflection, trust the process, mindset coaching, gratitude, meditation, parenting support, healing journey, awakening, inspired living, resilience, light in darkness, manifestation through faithMiracles multiply where gratitude lives. Thank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan Mail# 45 Ever notice how family gatherings can make the most grounded version of you vanish in seconds? We dive into why that happens and how to protect your peace without shutting down your heart. explore how to stay sovereign and loving when family dynamics trigger old roles, and how to stop shrinking to soothe. We share three simple practices, journal prompts, affirmations, and a calming guided moment to help you hold your light through the holidays.Perfect for anyone seeking personal growth emotional healing, confidence, and healthier relationships during the holidays. Please, please like, subscribe, and download this episode because it helps the podcastHit subscribe and join me on this journeyIf this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration todayStop by at social media on Instagram or my Facebook page, just count me in and please leave a comment Thank you so much for taking the time to listen. This means so much to me. If this podcast helps even one person enjoy the holidays more, mission accomplished. Please let me know~ SariFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailWhen life looks fine on the outside but feels heavy inside, that mismatch is a quiet invitation to reset. Your assignment is to release the emotional clutter that's been weighing on your heart. We open the door to emotional clearing with a grounded, step-by-step practice that turns fog into focus without forcing a thing.In today's calming, healing episode we walk through a simple 3=step ritual to help you let go of heavy energy, old patterns, and overwhelming emotions and step into clarity, peace and alignment. This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck, drained, or ready for a fresh start. you will feel lighter, clearer, and more connected to yourself. If this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a clean slate today. Your next miracle needs a little space—let’s make it together. If you have been craving a new beginning....it starts today.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailRemember the last time you felt fully alive—not just entertained, but awake in your own skin? Are you tired of watching people live their lives while you are sitting on the sidelines?  We explore what's keeping many of us stuck and how to reclaim a sense of agency with one small, deliberate action. The post-COVID world trained us to research, scroll, and observe; it also thinned our social muscles and normalized busyness as a shield. We unpack what the data shows about screens, anxiety, and loneliness while keeping the focus on what actually changes your day: clearing drains, naming blocks, and building momentum through tiny, real-world steps.This conversation is about being counted in. Not someday, not when it’s perfect—today. If you’ve been waiting for the right plan, the right timing, or the right version of yourself, consider this your nudge. Let's do a little fall cleaning before we wrap this year up.  Subscribe for more practical coaching, share this with a friend who needs momentum, and leave a review so we can reach more people ready to trade scrolling for living. What’s the smallest offline step you’ll take this week?Stop Watching Start LivingFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailDo you ever feel torn between what you want to do and what you feel obligated to do-especially during the holidays? We'll  explore how learned guilt hijacks choice, drains energy, and crowds out joy, especially during the holidays. You'll learn how to release the emotional weight of guilt, reconnect with your truth, and give from love-not obligation.  We will share personal stories, clear definitions, and practical tools to move from obligation to authenticity. If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today.And remember to subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode on creating emotional boundaries during the holidays.Facebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt drained even when you've done nothing? What if the things stealing your energy aren’t loud at all, but subtle—polite, familiar, almost reasonable?  Let's talk about where your energy is going and how to get it back. If you’ve felt the “people hangover,” the creeping anxiety, or the nagging sense you’re carrying more than your share, this conversation offers a path back to clarity, authenticity, and steady self-trust take a wider look at how to spot drains across your life and how to build the muscle of letting go without losing your heart.If this sparked something, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review. Your stories and reflections help this community grow—what’s one drain you’re ready to release this week?If this sparked something, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review. Your stories and reflections help this community grow—what’s one drain you’re ready to release this week?Instagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we explore the life of Christy Brown, author of My Left Foot, and the difference between empowering love and enabling love. Christy was born with cerebral palsy. He learned to write with his left foot-guided by a mother who believed in his strength, and refused to shield him from his weaknesses. Discover the neuroscience of resilience, the spirituality or belief, and the practical ways you can embody empowering love in your own life. If Christy Brown's story moved you, share this episode with someone who needs to remember the power of belief and the difference between the love that protects and the love that empowers. If you like this episode, please let me know. Stop by at social media on Instagram or my Facebook page, just count me in, and please leave a comment. If there's anybody that you think could benefit from this episode, please forward it to them. With gratitude,SariJournal and Affirmation GuideFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan Mail# 39  If you have ever asked "Why this?" When life hands you a change you didn’t choose, the mind jumps to threat and the heart tightens. We’re unpacking a compassionate way through: how to use contrast as feedback, ask better questions, and shift your brain from bracing to creating—without faking positivity or bypassing real feelings.Thank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan Mail#38 In this episode I share how my encounter with a dying butterfly reminded me that compassion, presence, and loving (not fixing) transforms our lives through neuroscience, mindfulness, and spiritual alignment. We explore how  kindness rewires our brains for peace. Kindness is coherence. Presence is love in action.I’ll put the a link to the video in the show notes hereShow Notes. In this episode we explore:The science of kindness and compassion: how it changes your brainHow to find meaning-even in endings-by savoring pure connectionListen and realign with the miracles around you Thank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode my former coaching client shares how she found her way from heartbreak to healing, from identity crisis to spiritual renewal. The journey from darkness and uncertainty to a grounded, fulfilled life she loves.  We talk about courage, change, perseverance, faith, divine timing, and the beauty of letting go so something greater can flow in.  Don't miss this one! Download the Free Journal Guide and Affirmations below. You're Never Stuck - Journal and Affirmation GuideFacebook-Just Count Me InInstagram- Just Count Me InFacebook-Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered when 'good enough' is good enough? Sari shares a story from a session that inspired her to explore the balance between effort and ease. Discover why we stop short, and take away some tools to help you remain in integrity with yourself,  and become the person you are meant to be. Good Enough Journal&Affirmation GuideJust Count Me In FacebookInstagram Just Count Me InThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Sari shares a deeply personal story of courage and loss showing how identity shapes abundance. Learn how to step into a new self-concept even when it feels scary.  Backed by neuroscience and spiritual wisdom. Expand your capacity to receive. Do it scared. Please share this episode with someone who might benefit, and like, subscribe and leave a comment to support the podcast. You can download the free journal prompts, affirmations, and guided meditation PDF linked in the show notes.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566883002270https://www.instagram.com/saristone2025/Downloadable Journal Guide/AffirmationsThank you for joining me!If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration today!