a thing we’re trying

a thing we're trying Hosted by Jessy K and Michelle Z Highlights: > recalibrating ourselves with and within the seasons > there’s no one tool that solves all our challenges or even one challenge > reminder that there can be FLOW and CREATIVITY in the structures we choose for ourselves > permission to go toward the things you’re being called to now and you can course correct later Resources: > Finch App Subscribe to newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx

a thing we're trying Hosted by Jessy K and Michelle Z First Drafts and Supportive Routines Highlights: > first draft is not the final draft > dancing with our perfectionist and learning to take the lead > learning to be ok with a pretty good first draft > self care, neurodivergent, tools and strategies we’ve used to take care of ourselves > waiting in the in between > celebrating ourselves for getting into grad school! Subscribe to newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx 

a thing we're trying with Jessy K and Michelle Z What We Talk About in This Episode: > trying to do the things we know are good for our bodies > trying to recenter relationship with food/body > finding the balance between being natural and medicated > how many practices and theories around wellness was colonized> how what we do now is moving the needle for generations to come Resources: > Tiktok Debunking Maslow: https://www.tiktok.com/@diet_communism/⁠ Subscribe to newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx

WE'RE BACK! IT IS FINALLY HERE! Season 2 of a thing we're tryingHosted by Jessy K and Michelle Z In this episode we talked about:> trying to find balance between structure and flow> what we’ve been trying lately> accepting all parts of ourselves, even when it’s hard to do so> practicing being more intentional with what we say and do Resources mentioned: > PEMS check-in > SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

Authentically Sharing Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar If you look around today’s world, you’ll notice there are people sharing everywhere! Whether it’s someone sharing all their juicy relationship drama on the J train, someone sharing a family recipe in a TikTok, or someone oversharing in the office, people are sharing more than ever! As listeners and bystanders, we may have judgments that people share too much or don’t speak up enough, but the ‘what, where, and when’ of sharing is a very personal choice!! Like all things, there are pros and cons to sharing. On one hand, the benefits are a sense of connection, being seen, heard, understood, spreading awareness, etc. On the other hand, sharing can be uncomfortable, risky and hold consequences we’re not always ready for.  Join us in this episode as we explore what it means to Authentically Share. We’ll uncover clues into how we share and with who, and we’ll also start to question our intentions and motives behind our sharing, both online and in real life! One teaser we’ll give in favor of safety reasons, please stop ‘checking in’ or sharing your location on social media apps. No one on the internet needs to be able to track your whereabouts in real time, just saying 🤷🏻 Episode Highlights: > finding the balance between sharing and oversharing > acknowledging the real risks of sharing, being vulnerable, speaking up and out for ourselves and others > learning to be more intentional of who we’re sharing what with > importance of asking if someone has space to hear our shares > practicing the pause, grounding down and checking in with our intentions and impact before sharing with others Reflection Questions/Prompts: > What’s the intention behind this share and what impact I’m intending to have? > Take inventory of who you’re sharing with! Who are they? Which topics do you feel comfortable sharing with them? What topics do you feel uncomfortable sharing with them? Notice how they respond to your shares; this can help you discern who’s best to share with! Resources Mentioned: > Lisa Nichols – Interview> Dani Driusso – Social Media Consent

Cultivating Consistency  Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Do you find it easy to be consistent when it’s something you enjoy doing? Do you want to be consistent with something but after a few days you’re over it? Do you feel like you’re a failure or falling short if you’re not consistent? Maybe your relationship to consistency is a mix of all of the above. Ours sure is! In this episode, we take you on a journey with us to discover what consistency could be like if we removed the ideas of pressure or 'enoughness', being a robot, or doing it all alone. Join us for a fun chat that covers everything from pudding, to cement, to habit stacking. And who knows, throughout this process, maybe you’ll even find a new word for consistency altogether - while still honoring the essence of why everyone seems to talk about it so much in the first place. Episode Highlights: > the importance of defining (and redefining) the term consistency and what it really means and looks like for us > learning to be consistent in a way that is sustainable for our lifestyles, energy, capacities, and current season of life > applesauce and pudding, mud and water, cement and sand > why cultivating consistency is important to the embodiment of our goals, values, and new ways of being and feeling > how it can be easier to cultivate consistency when we have support from our friends, loved ones and/or mentors Reflection Questions/Prompts: 1. What does consistency look like in this season of my life? What do I have energy for? What do I have capacity for? 2. Why do you want to be consistent with XYZ? What will it do for you? How will you feel?  3. Who can I trust to share my consistency journey with? Resources Mentioned: - Atomic Habits by James Clear

Pausing in the Transitions Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar How often are you transitioning throughout your day? Do you even notice all the little shifts? Slowing down, practicing awareness and acknowledging the transitions we go through on a daily basis is a pretty new concept for us and if it’s new to you, too welcome to the party!   & if you’re a pro, we’d love to hear about it! During this episode we discuss transitions on a micro and macro level, from moments to seasons, and explore how to build some awareness around them. We believe that by building this awareness, we can truly be present in the different areas of our lives ✨Imagine the difference it might make if you gave yourself a moment to switch tasks in an intentional way, instead of rushing from one thing to the next like the Energizer Bunny 🐰⚡️ What if you could take the space you need, or might not even realize you need, to show up as your best or truest self in all areas? Maybe dream a little, if you could pause time when switching and take as much as you needed, what would you do in that time? What might it feel like? Episode Highlights: > examples of transitions, big and small > creating routines to help with the transitions throughout the day > different ways we each have related to and managed transitions in the past > the opportunities we see in practicing the pause in transitions Reflection Questions/Prompts: > Start to notice all the transitions within your days, weeks, months > Take a few moments throughout the day to look around the room to remind yourself where you’re at & maybe allow yourself to stretch, shimmy, take a deep breath, let out a sigh Resources Mentioned: Creative Differences The Miracle Morning @britchida

Making Friends Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Can you remember a time before ‘weird’ behavior? Back when you were so young that you just did what you did and liked what you liked, and the kids who were into that stuff too - well they just sort of joined in and voila! friendship. Some lasted minutes, others years, but at the start… mostly it was simple, easy, and fun - wasn’t it? We know not everyone might have a memory of easy breezy childhood friendship, but these days, in our ‘adulthood’ (see ep. 8 for our thoughts on adulting) it’s likely that many more of us are (understandably) nervous when meeting new people. It’s even more likely, because bullies, trauma, etc. that we might be a bit more hesitant to let our freak flag be seen when trying to fit in or be liked. In this episode we discuss navigating the wonderful world of adult friend-making. We hope you’ll take some comfort in knowing that if this is tough for you, you’re not alone. We also hope that by the end of this convo, you’ll feel a bit more space to share yourself authentically, even if it’s just being 5% weirder, or 5% more you, wherever you can. Cause let’s face it, who wants to go for another round of small talk with any more normies??? And don’t worry, if it’s been YEARS since you even tried to make a new friend, we’ve included some great tips and resources that we’re trying as well, in case you could use a more tangible place to start. Episode highlights: > a brief intro into our own experiences around making friends as adults > answering the question of why bother when this can be awkward and challenging endeavor > considering the type of people and friendships we want to engage with > where do we make friends now that we don’t have the environmental support we did as kids > comparing and contrasting how making friends can feel a lot like dating > why it’s important to have values-based convos with the people you’re making friends with Reflections/Invitations > What challenges have you faced when making friends as an adult? > The Liking Gap states that we believe people like us less than they actually do! With this information, how can you lean into the mindset that you are so much more likable than you think you are and people do actually like you and want to be friends with you! > Muster up the courage to be silly and say weird thing(s). How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] Join our email list for monthly newsletters, updates, exclusive prompts and more! https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx Resources Mentioned: > Esther Perel, Psychotherapist focusing on relational work. Find her work on Instagram > Dr. Marisa G Franco, author of Platonic - How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends. You can also find her work on Instagram!

Spirituality Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Spirituality is a BIG topic. When you hear the word you might think of anything from religion to mysticism to the idea of a soul or the source of all things. You may even think of certain types of people when you hear it: maybe people who practice healing or prayer, people you feel radiate a certain type of energy, or even people who you find to be a bit delulu… Whatever comes up for you, we hope this episode gives you space to reflect on your own relationship to spirituality, whether you’ve experienced a ‘spiritual awakening’ or not. Join us as we scratch the surface of what spirituality means to us and hear how we each navigate our connection to all that’s bigger than us! BONUS: Can you recognize some of the moments during this convo where we may be tapping into that spiritual connection right here on the pod, in this very conversation? You might notice our tone change, or that the energy shifts.  And let’s just say if you are able to slow down enough and sense those moments, you very well might be connecting to your own spirit alongside us too. And we love that for you. If not, no worries at all! We’re glad you came along for this spiritual ride either way! Episode highlights: > our individual experiences around religion//spirituality > how we avoid placing power and control on spiritual tools rather than ourselves > how we can use spiritual tools to guide self-reflection and awareness > where we can find a little bit of magic in our everyday lives > the harms of toxic positivity and spirituality bypassing within spiritual communities> the benefits of being and practicing spirituality such as belonging and feeling held > considering different terms we use to identify ourselves as spiritual beings > the concept of “highest self” and our thoughts around it Reflections/Questions: > Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? > What does spirituality mean to you? What benefits does it provide? > Are there any rituals or spiritual practices you’d like to explore some day? How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] Join our email list for monthly newsletters, updates, exclusive prompts and more! https://subscribepage.io/wiGptxResources Mentioned: > Emotional Freedom Technique aka EFT > Sky Cake skit by Patton Oswalt > The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron

Adulting Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Description:  Do you feel like an adult yet? 🤔 When you think of adulting, do you think of obligations and the things you don’t want to do? Or maybe the things you don’t know HOW to do but feel like you should? Do you ever wonder what being an adult even means?? Do you want to define adulthood in your own terms? What do we even mean when we call ourselves or others adults? In this episode, we reflect on what we’ve been told an adult is and we explore our own definitions of the term at this point in our lives. By the end of the episode, we won’t have a fully formed, concrete definition of what it means to be and feel like an adult, but ya know what? We can be (somewhat) mature and entirely responsible for that - like adults 🤗 So join us for this conversation where we ask some great questions on the topic of adulting and share some of our wise insights along the way. Episode highlights: > developing a definition of what adulting means to us > a few characteristics we each believe make up an adult > difference between the  responsibilities we choose and those out of expectation or survival > questioning the purpose of labeling people as adults > sharing the pieces of adulthood that we enjoy > considering how being an adult is only one part of us Reflections/Questions: > Do you feel like an adult? > What does being an adult mean to you? > What do you like/dislike about adulthood? How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] Join our email list for monthly newsletters, updates, exclusive prompts and more! https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx Resources Mentioned: > The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Cycle Syncing 101 Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Do you know what an infradian rhythm is? If you menstruate or know someone who does, this episode will give you a look into the intricacies of this powerful cycle that so many of us live through.  We did a quick goog, and according to the National Institute of Health, “Around 1.8 billion people menstruate every month worldwide, meaning at a given point each day, 800 million people menstruate, comprising 26% of the global population. Most menstruators experience their first period between ages 10 and 16, lasting up to about 50 years of age, accounting for more than 50% of their average life span.” (read the full article here) SO - in this episode we’re taking the first steps to set you up with some context from our own experiences, and share the ways we’re trying to INCLUDE this cycle in our daily, monthly, and overall planning conversations. It’s time to stop ignoring our cycles and start cycling syncing. It’s a natural part of human life, and its impacts are huge, on menstruators and their loved ones alike. Episode highlights: > normalizing the conversation around periods and our cycles > how learning about cycle syncing has helped us to release shame over our bodies and our experiences as people who menstruate > a brief overview of the 4 phases and their characteristics > various tracking methods; apps, notes, temp checks, etc. > the difference between body literacy and body fluency > the importance of this topic and the impact it has on us as individuals along with relationships, families and communities Reflections/Questions: > What’s your relationship to your cycle? Take inventory on where you learned about it and from who along with any beliefs and feelings you have around it. > What is one thing you can do to experiment with your cycle? For example, if you aren’t usually the one to initiate social plans, try doing so while ovulating! Does it seem easier to do then? > If you aren’t a menstruator but love someone who is, how can you support them more deeply? How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] our email list for monthly newsletters, updates, exclusive prompts and more!https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx. Resources Mentioned: > a tracking app that Michelle trusts (sort of), myflo > our internet friend Cait, www.instagram.com/consciouslycait/ > The Period Movement https://www.instagram.com/periodmovement/

Tending to Hobbies Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Description: Do us a favor, join us in tending to our hobbies. We really believe that when we take the time and space to lean into play, the world is a better place and life is more worth living. Even if you can only take a few minutes, please please do something you enjoy, just for you - or tell someone about something you want to do as a hobby, solely for your own enjoyment. And please tell us about your hobbies! Maybe one day, if we’re feeling brave, we’ll try some of them on the pod! Episode highlights: > sharing a list of our own hobbies like painting, dancing and traveling > how leaning into play and creativity is a homage to our ancestors > a preview of the 16 play types via Bob Hughes work > how gender roles are insidiously woven into children’s toy and book options > the concept of having an adult playdates > the many benefits of playing, leaning into our hobbies and creativity. Reflections/Questions: > What are your hobbies? > Based on the 16 play types, which play types do you resonate with? > How can you integrate more play into your lifestyle? > Send us an email with a list of your hobbies!! We wanna know 🙂 How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] Join our email list for monthly newsletters, updates, exclusive prompts and more! https://subscribepage.io/wiGptxResources Mentioned: > Creative Differences; a 5 month program for creative entrepreneurs > 16 play types via the work of Bob Hughes > Polyvagal Theory via the work of Stephen Porges

a thing we're trying: Connecting to Our Things Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Do you believe everything carries a particular energy? Ya know, because science? And do you believe in the power of that energy?  If you said yes - great, you're in the right place.  In this episode we’ll discuss the power of connecting to our things and our spaces in a relational, animist way. Appreciating everything from our homes to our socks. Sending little love notes to our coffee cups, and even to less romantic things like that really useful hammer we’ve had for years and years. Join us for a look into our experience learning about the KonMari method, and hear what we loved and maybe didn’t love so much about Marie Kondo’s approach to sparking joy. We’ll also touch on some other organizing approaches we’ve tried or heard about along the way. Regardless of the way you feel about your things and how you organize them in your space, this episode might just give you a new perspective on all of it. Episode Highlights: > organization as a system for personal functionality > approaching our things and spaces as if they have an essence > cultivating an embodied relationship with our belongings > how our external environment influences our internal environment > the larger consequences of consumerism and letting go of items > adding some fun to the mundane tasks and chores Reflections/Questions: > How can you honor your belongings? > How can you add some fun into the mundane tasks? How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] Join our email list for monthly newsletters, updates, exclusive prompts and more! https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx Resources Mentioned: KonMari Method by Marie Kondo Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice of arranging and organizing The Home Edit, reality TV show on Netflix. Find their website here

Feeling Our Feelings Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Description: We have a lot of feelings… and we have a lot of thoughts and feelings, about our feelings. Join us for a roller coaster of emotion - but don’t worry, you’ll mostly be visiting heights of laughter and some lower, more grounded moments of reflection.In this episode, you’ll hear our experiences with feeling our feelings, from childhood until now, and where we’re headed next. *DISCLAIMER: We are not licensed therapists or clinicians of any kind and this podcast is not meant to replace therapy or medical attention. If you are experiencing challenges with the intensity of your thoughts and emotions, please seek support from loved ones or a professional. Episode highlights: > a brief history of our personal experiences with our emotions > how feelings are innate to our human existence and biology > the difference between intellectualizing our feelings and experiencing our feelings within the body > considering feelings like a friend who's looking for your support > the different forms of messaging we’ve heard growing up around having feelings and expressing emotions Reflections/Questions: > Take some time out of your day to notice what sensations are available to you. > Find an emotional wheel, print it out and hang up in your safe spaces How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] Sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates, exclusive prompts and more!https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx Resources Mentioned: > Somatic Experiencing > Internal Family Systems > 87 Emotions and Experiences – Brene Brown https://brenebrown.com/resources/atlas-of-the-heart-list-of-emotions/ > Somatic Attachment Therapy via The Embody Lab

Comfort Zones and Meeting Our Edges Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar Meeting our edges can be so important for our personal growth and evolution. To meet our edges, it might be a good idea to know what that means and where those are…  How clear are you on the edges of your comfort zone? Do you intentionally approach those spaces with your resources and support in hand? Or do you tend to push past those boundaries with your parents’, teachers’, or boss babe coach’s voices in your head, yelling, “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” ??If you answered the ladder, you’re not alone. The sentiment behind that cliche is not horrible… it’s just that we tend to take it too far and bypass our own well-being.What if you could grow in a healthy, steady way, a way that does feel edgy, but doesn’t leave you burnt out to the point of no return?In this episode we’ll explore how to do just that. Because although we may not be experts, it is a thing we’re trying. Episode Highlights: The window of tolerance and how it relates to comfort zones Signs that we’re close to meeting an edge Ways we are individually meeting our edges Balancing the need for comfort and the need for risk How our comfort zone expands and grows as we do Reflections/Questions: In what ways are you meeting your edges? How are you keeping yourself comfy or uncomfy? Practice holding the duality of both discomfort and possibility. How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] Sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates, exclusive prompts and more! https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx Resources mentioned: Addicted to Drama by Dr. Scott Lyons Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel Somatic Attachment Therapy via The Embody Lab

Hosted by Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar When’s the last time you were a true beginner at something? In this episode you’ll hear our reflections on what it actually means to be a beginner (as an adult - whatever that is😆). How about the things you have done before? Does it come easily to you to bring a beginner’s mindset when it’s not your first, or second time trying something? Or are you a total expert at all of the things? If so, are you human or are you a bot reading this to improve AI? Anyway, in this episode we also discuss what we feel it takes to have a beginner’s mindset - even if you’ve done the thing before. Episode Highlights: What it means to us to be a beginner What does it mean to have a beginner’s mindset Transferring skills in one area to another Why trying new things can cause discomfort The sense of urgency to move from a beginner to an expert Reflections/Questions: What is something you'd like to begin (or begin again)? How would you describe a beginner's mindset? What area of life do you want to bring a beginner's mindset to? How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/ [email protected] Sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates, exclusive prompts and more! https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx Resources Mentioned: Nisha Moodley: www.instagram.com/nishamoodley/

Welcome to ATWT: a podcast where we’re interested in what’s emergent and restorative; what feeds our souls, bodies, the collective, and the planet. We’re here for the full spectrum of life, dancing through the gray areas, and gently approaching the edges of our comfort zones. We’ll share our experiences and lessons as deeply feeling humans who care about our impact in the world. We’ll discuss the tools and practices we use to navigate the ups and downs of this audacious adventure we call life. The podcast is a space for exploration, where we’ll try new things while inviting YOU to try things on, take what resonates, and leave the rest.  In this episode, Jessica Sage and Michelle Zaylar discuss the concept of trying from various angles. Tune in to hear their perspectives and get a fresh take on what it means to try.  Episode Highlights: How we feel about the cliche: "do or do not, there is no try" Societal expectations and how we try to fit in A few things we're trying in our own lives How to know when to stop trying The power of support systems when trying new things .... and more cause we're talkers with a million thoughts Reflections/Questions: What is something you’d love to try? What would it take for you to get started? Are there any resources or supports you need to put in place before doing so? How to Connect with Us: www.instagram.com/athingweretrying/[email protected] up for our monthly newsletter for updates, exclusive prompts and more!https://subscribepage.io/wiGptx Resources Mentioned: We Can Do Hard Things - Glennon Doyle: *find on your favorite podcast platform* Creative Differences with Kendall and Meg:/www.kendallbarger.com/creativedifferences2023 Nisha Moodley: www.instagram.com/nishamoodley/

In the intro episode, you'll learn a bit about the pod and the people running it. We'll share our intentions and let you know what to expect.