Flourishing Flame: from Burning Out to Burning Bright

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, host Leah Brown interviews Dr. Benjamin Keyes, a seasoned expert in trauma and counseling. They discuss the various roles of counselors, the importance of seeking help, and the challenges faced during therapy. Dr. Keyes introduces his HEART model, which integrates spirituality with psychological practices, emphasizing the significance of forgiveness and personal growth in healing from trauma. The conversation also covers how to find the right counselor and the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, including when to persist or seek a new therapist.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Counseling and Trauma Expertise 02:05 Understanding the Role of Counselors 06:19 When to Seek Counseling 10:11 The Journey of Therapy: Expectations and Challenges 13:41 The HEART Model: Integrating Spirituality and Psychology 26:41 Forgiveness and Healing in Trauma 32:33 Finding the Right Counselor 37:06 Navigating Therapy: When to Persist or Change Counselors   Keywords: counseling, trauma, therapy, mental health, HEART model, forgiveness, spiritual healing, finding a counselor, personal growth, PTSD

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, Leah Brown reaches the last of the five relationships that help you meet your goals by exploring the role of therapists. She discusses the types of mental health professions that would be considered therapist and differentiates between therapy and counseling. Leah discussing various therapeutic modalities and provides guidance on when to seek therapy as well as how to find the right therapist. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the therapeutic process and the various professionals involved in mental health care.   Keywords: therapy, counseling, mental health, therapist, modalities, mental illness, emotional support, psychological services, self-help, personal growth

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, host Leah Brown speaks with consultant Ali Miller about her journey into consulting. Through her expertise in visual arts, clothing design, and behavioral science, Ali works with people to empowers clients to understand the importance of personal style and how to embrace their individuality. Ali shares her insights on the transformative power of fashion, the role of a consultant in personal growth, and in how a consultant can work with a group or organiztion. This conversation highlights how work with a consultant can help create meaningful change in general as well as specifially outlines how Ali supports the deep connection between self-perception and style. Her approach fosters confidence and authenticity in her clients.    In this conversation, Ali and Leah discuss understanding how you can use a consultant and what to look for. They use Ali's business as an example of the type of advice, products, and support a consultant can provide: understanding the importance of color theory in fashion, personalized style guides, and shopping - both in your wardrobe and and adding to it. They also discussed the innovative concept of personal therapy retreats. Leah shares her approach to therapy, emphasizing the benefits of intensive sessions, while Ali highlights the significance of expert guidance in personal development. The dialogue underscores the connection between self-acceptance, style, and mental health, offering insights into how individuals can enhance their lives through thoughtful choices in both fashion and therapy.  

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, Leah Brown discusses the role of consultants in both business and personal contexts. She outlines the process of hiring a consultant, the benefits they provide, and how to differentiate between consulting and coaching. Through real-life examples, Leah emphasizes the importance of finding the right consultant to meet specific needs and goals. Takeaways A consultant provides expert guidance from an outside perspective. Consultants specialize in various industries to offer tailored insights. The consulting process includes observation, evaluation, and implementation. Hiring a consultant can free up time for focusing on core business activities. It's essential to vet consultants before hiring them to ensure a good fit. Consultants can help identify and solve specific problems effectively. Understanding the difference between consulting and coaching is crucial. Consultants can provide actionable plans to achieve goals. Follow-up is an important aspect of the consulting process. Real-life examples illustrate the effectiveness of consulting relationships.  

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, Leah Brown interviews Kristin Bartholomew who shares her journey into coaching, the methodologies she employs with her clients, and some differences between individual and group coaching. Kristin discusses the importance of personal coaching for work-life balance and offers insights for those considering a coaching career. The conversation also highlights Kristin's podcast, 'MomLife Balance,' where she shares stories of motherhood and the challenges of balancing life and work.   Takeaways Coaching offers diverse perspectives and methodologies. Kristin transitioned from education to coaching after realizing her passion for development. She emphasizes the importance of intentional motherhood alongside professional growth in her own life. Coaching can help solopreneurs and organizations identify blind spots and improve strategies. Individual coaching allows for deep dives into personal challenges, while group coaching fosters shared learning. Personal coaching is valuable for those seeking change in their lives. Investing in coaching can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Exploring coaching as a career involves talking to current coaches and understanding the lifestyle. Kristin's podcast focuses on the balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Kristin here: https://kmbcoaching.com MomLife Balance Podcast Get in contact with Leah here: https://leahlittlebrown.com    Keywords: coaching, personal development, motherhood, entrepreneurship, group coaching, individual coaching, coaching methodologies, work-life balance, coaching certification, leadership development

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, host Leah Brown interviews Megan Nilsen, a Kingdom Life Coach, who shares her personal journey from school counseling to coaching. Megan discusses the importance of counseling in her growth, the transition to coaching, and how to find the right coach. She emphasizes the value of accountability in coaching and offers practical tips for those interested in pursuing a coaching career. The conversation highlights the diverse experiences in coaching and the significance of personal development through faith-based practices. You can learn more about Megan and her coaching, podcasts, and books at meganbnilsen.com. Takeaways Counseling can provide essential support for personal growth. Investing in coaching can signify belief in oneself. Finding a coach requires trust and a personal connection. Coaching is unregulated; seek recommendations from trusted sources. Accountability is a key benefit of working with a coach. Coaching can help navigate transitions in life and career. Coaching offers real-world education without formal schooling. Life experience is valuable in the coaching profession. Keywords coaching, personal growth, counseling, life coach, spiritual coaching, mentorship, accountability, career transition

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame Podcast, Leah Brown explores the concept of coaching, its various forms, and its significance in personal development. She discusses the differences between coaching, mentoring, and counseling, emphasizing the unique strengths and weaknesses of coaching. Leah also provides insights on how to effectively work with a coach, identify personal coaching needs, and the transformative impact coaching can have on individuals and teams. Takeaways Only about 9% of people who make goals actually achieve them. Coaching is primarily a present to future orientation. The client holds the power in a coaching relationship. Coaching is an unregulated industry, offering many choices. You can work with a coach as an individual or in a group. Identify your goals before seeking a coach. Different coaches offer different types of support. Coaching can challenge your thinking and assumptions. Coaching helps you experience transformation. Working with a coach can help you grow as an individual.   Keywords: coaching, personal development, life coaching, executive coaching, mentorship, goal achievement, self-improvement, coaching relationships, coaching strengths, coaching weaknesses  

In continuation with the topic of meaningful connections and specifically mentorship, Leah interviews friend and fellow counselor, Thomas Delaney and shares his career experience as a priest and as a counselor. As the two discuss mentorship, they start with the origin of the word mentor and how there are two sides of mentorship, being the mentor and being the mentee. Thomas explains what it takes to be a good mentor as well as a good mentee, and they discuss the overlap and parallel between discipleship and mentorship. Since there were many opportunities for mentorship within priesthood and counseling, Leah asks Thomas about one of his greatest experiences with mentorship. He shares about being under supervision while becoming a counselor and how his supervisor turned mistakes into learning experiences.  In a more personal mentorship outside of the professional world, Thomas shares about his experience mentoring a youth in a church where he was a youth pastor and how important having a good relationship is within mentorship. Leah and Thomas then reminisce on how they have both been mentors to each other over the years and how they've gone to each other for advice. They discuss the benefits of mentorship and define more of what mentorship is. If you're interested in learning more on how to pick a counselor or therapist and how to maximize your results in counseling or therapy, Leah and Thomas discuss these topics in some special episodes that you can request through this link.

February 4, 2025 Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright Ep 52: Supportive Relationships: Mentorship What is a mentor? Where do I find one? What do I look for? How long should I have a mentor? Leah answers all these questions and more as she continues with the next type of relationship of the five types of relationships that help us reach our goals. In this episode, Leah discusses mentorship and what sets it apart from other relationships. Mentors are beneficial to bringing you closer to your goals, and they provide personalized guidance and accountability in reaching them. Leah shares insight on when and where to find a mentor, whether that be in your professional or personal life. She explains what the timetable might look like, whether the mentorship is short term or long term, as well as what the cost is, meaning what you need to put into that relationship account. As mentioned in this episode, you can go back to episode 32 to review relationship accounts.  For mentors, Leah shares advice on how to be a mentor and foster that relationship by providing support, wisdom, and encouragement. And finally, she discusses joint mentorship relationships, which is where both individuals offer some sort of mentorship to the other.  In the next episode, Leah will continue with the mentorship topic and interview a friend, Thomas Delaney, who has been on all over the mentorship spectrum. Referenced Article: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/mentorship/ Referenced Episode: Introduction to Relating to Others: Relationship Accounts Ep. 32  

January 21, 2025 Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright Ep 51: Encouragement in Friendships with Guest, Laura Carr Welcome back! This week, Leah continues on the topic of friendships that help us move forward in life with guest and friend, Laura Carr! The two met years ago at a playground when their oldest kids were toddlers, and they connected and have maintained that friendship over the years supporting and encouraging one another. Leah introduces Laura and shares a little bit about their history together.   In continuing with the topic of friendship and how friends can help propel us forward in our goals, Leah asks Laura about a time where she reached out to a friend and was encouraged and supported by that friendship. Laura shares about a situation where she started a nonprofit and how a connection with her best friend from high school greatly encouraged and supported her through conversations and helping her plan. This support led Laura to become the US director of the Children of the Father's House orphanage in Uganda. The encouragement and push from her friend helped her to actualize this endeavor and help get all those kids sponsored.  Laura's friendship with her Ugandan co-direct is integral in the organization's success. She is sought out to support other international nonprofits. Laura explains how vital friendship and connection are within partnerships and businesses.  If you're interested in learning more about Laura's organization, Children of the Father's House, you can go to  www.childrenofthefathershouse.org and you can also find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/childrenofthefathershouse/) which has more up to date information.  Thanks for listening, and tune in next time!  

January 13, 2025 Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright Ep 50: Supportive Relationships: Peer Friendships Welcome back to another episode with Leah! This week's focus is on friendship, more specifically, peer friendships and how they support us. What are peer relationships? Leah describes peer relationships as relationships with anyone who is your peer in some capacity whether that be age, job, place in life, etc.  If you're finding yourself lacking in good peer friendships, Leah suggests evaluating your current relationships and seeing which acquaintances fall into the peer category. She explains that in some of those relationships, you might be able to strengthen them and build those peer relationships. Or you might find some new friendships by joining a class or a group or even through an online support group. Leah then shares how to foster and strengthen those relationships. Some of her tips are being proactive and reaching out first, working with them, and inviting them to fun things.  These friendships can also help you reach your goals, so ask yourself what are those types of goals you might want support with and who are the friends I have who can encourage and support me in this? Having that support can help hold you accountable in reaching your goals. Leah also shares how important mutuality is in those friendships and how it keeps the relationship healthy.  Next week, Leah will be talking about mentor relationships and friendships, so be sure to tune it!

As we approach a new year, many of us set goals, dream of changes, and resolve to make progress. Yet, studies show that while 30% of people make New Year's resolutions, only 9% actually achieve them. Often, the missing piece is support—the right kind of help to keep us moving forward. If you're someone who's always supporting others, you might find it hard to focus on your own needs. But the truth is, even the most supportive people need a strong network to lean on. In today's episode Leag is diving into the five types of relationships that can help you achieve your goals without burning out. This isn't about leaning on others for everything—it's about building intentional relationships that help you thrive. As we move into 2025, think about where these types of support fit into your life. This series will guide you through understanding and buidling these connections so you can feel empowered, supported, and ready to tackle your goals. Because sometimes, even the helper needs help.

Welcome back! In this episode, Leah talks about how the holidays, specifically Christmas time, can magnify and intensify the things going on in our lives, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.  As our lives and circumstances change, the things we enjoy about the holidays evolve. We can move into more gratitude and celebration and enjoy the time we have with our loved ones. Leah explains how the holidays can also magnify the bad, like loss and those we miss, as well as the ugly, like conflict among our families. In the midst of these, Leah offers practical encouragement for what you can do to support yourself and others. In noticing the good, take the time to slow down, and cherish and treasure the time you have with your loved ones. When handling the bad, Leah encourages taking the time to mourn and reaching out for support, or in other cases, be the one to support a loved one dealing with loss. And finally with the ugly, which is likely the hardest of the three, Leah advises to walk with wisdom and grace and to be a peacemaker among the conflict. Have a great Christmas and holiday season, and be sure to tune in next time!  

Have you ever walked into a room feeling hesitant, only to leave feeling lighter and more whole? That's what happened to Leah recently. What started as just another social gathering turned into a powerful moment of encouragement—a reminder of how meaningful connections can transform the everyday. Loneliness, affecting 1 in 4 Americans, isn't just the absence of people; it's the absence of connection. We all crave the moments when we feel truly seen, understood, and appreciated. That's what Leah experienced at this party—a glimpse of the joy that meaningful relationships bring. In a world where loneliness is common, moments of connection multiply our joy. They remind us that we're not just moving through life alone. They give us encouragement and anchor us to something greater—community. This experience prompted Leah to reflect on how often we overlook opportunities for connection. Whether it's attending a party, calling an old friend, or even making eye contact during a casual conversation, each moment is an invitation to build something deeper. What would it look like for you to seek meaningful connection this week? Maybe it's about asking better questions, leaning into vulnerability, or simply showing up.  Meaningful connections don't just happen—they're built intentionally. And when you make space for them, they have the power to transform not just your day but your entire perspective.   Purchase the The Six Conversations

Welcome back to another episode with Leah! This week, she's continuing with authenticity and is joined by her daughter Nyarai as they take a roadtrip! As they drive, they've been discussing how authenticity has become an important aspect for the younger generation and how it's spread up into the older generations. They also dig into the trend of being overly authentic that the younger generation has adopted and talk about the rawness and lack of filter among the younger people in the name of authenticity. Leah and Nyarai expolore whether or not "rawness" and over sharing is actually authenticity.  After giving the definition of true authenticity, the two discuss what authenticity really is and that there's a difference between true authenticity and rawness. With true authenticity, it's necessary to know your core values. The two discuss them and how to figure out what your core values are. You can reachValues List PDF here. Using it can be helpful in identifying and implementing your core values. Depending on what's happening in your life or who you're with, there are times and situations for highlighting your values. Leah and Nyarai expand on that and discuss how it's not being a different person; it's just highlighting certain parts of yourself. They then discuss how we operate differently when we are authentic and aligned with our core values. Nyarai shares how you really have to do the work to choose and align with your core values. Along with that, Leah explains that when we identify them and are aligned with our core values, it can reduce our stress and tension. She also gives some more information on identifying your core values and how the PDF that's linked can help with that.  Nyarai then asks Leah what her advice is for recognizing and changing over-authenticity within oneself and she shares some tips on how to address it and identify your core values so you can work to align with them. If you have found this episode helpful, be sure to leave a comment or review and let her know if you'd like another episode co-hosted with Nyarai! Or message Leah through her website or email!  Thanks for listening!   Access the Values List here: https://www.burnoutbusterblueprint.com/home-page-3126

Welcome back to another episode, and happy Thanksgiving week! This time, we're diving into the connection between gratitude and meaningful relationships. Gratitude isn't just about saying "thank you" or big grand gestures—it's a mindset that can transform how we think and live. Gratitude has some powerful benefits, both for your health and your relationships. Studies show it can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and even boost your immune system. Beyond the physical, gratitude increases self-esteem and strengthens relationships by fostering mutual appreciation. When we intentionally look for things to be grateful for, we start seeing more—and that can change everything. The beautiful thing about gratitude is its ripple effect. As we grow in gratitude, it naturally deepens our ability to connect with others.  This Thanksgiving week, take time to fine-tune your gratitude practice. Whether it's keeping a journal, catching moments of appreciation for others, or simply pausing to reflect, gratitude can flow into every area of your life, enriching your health and building deeper, more meaningful connections. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Welcome back to another episode with Leah where she continues with the topic of authenticity! This time she focuses on the blessings of living authentically.  As she discussed in the last episode, the two musicals her kids were in this fall have great examples of authenticity. She explains how living authentically is living in congruence between our inner lives and our outer experiences then goes on to give some examples from both Les Miserables and Cinderella.  Even though these are just fictional stories, we can see the benefits of living in alignment with our values. Leah explains what happens as a result of living authentically in our own lives and its importance for genuine connection and growing into who we really are so that we can walk into boldness and confidence.  Leah also shares some examples from a client and how living authentically has helped them work towards their goals and live more in tune with who they are. If you're interested in working towards authenticity in your own life, you can contact Leah to have a conversation about it, or you can work through her Burnout Buster Blueprint. Both options are available through her website at leahlittlebrown.com. In the next episode, Leah will continue with this topic of authenticity and talk about the challenges of living authentically. Be sure to tune in next time!  

Welcome back! Now that we've wrapped up with Leah's presentation on unity, she's moving on to talk about meaningful connections. She touched on the topic in episode 38, and now she's revisiting it to talk about authenticity, which is one of the required aspects of meaningful connections. She explains what authenticity is and can look like and continues with the importance of it for meaningful connections. One thing that often gets in the way of living authentically and of meaningful connections is masking which Leah further explains what that looks like and how it can negatively affect our relationships and lives and cause unneeded stress. Since some of Leah's kids are participating in musical theatre and have performances this month, she shares some examples of living authentically and masking from the shows. And if you're interested and local, there are still opportunities this weekend to see two of the shows she mentioned!  Next time, Leah will continue with this topic of authenticity and talk about moving from a place of masking and not being true to your values.  Be sure to tune in next time! Ticket links: https://www.cytfredericksburg.org/reseller/9ce49e5dacc27de8fb6715f8f46d9481 https://aspirechristiantheatre.org/les-mis-tickets/  

Welcome back! In this episode, Leah wraps up the topic of unity in our uniqueness. In the last few episodes, Leah has shared her discussion that she presented on, and so far, she's talked about personality, experience, capacity, and values and that they're important to understand so we can understand both ourselves and others. She also shared how understanding those things is an uncommon understanding.  In this episode, she continues with this uncommon understanding and communication and how important clear communication is for unity. She shares Heather Holleman's four mindsets of a loving conversation from her book, The Six Conversations. With each mindset, she explains and expands on them and how they help with clear communication and foster conversation and connection. She also shares some tips on having those conversations and connecting with others. Leah then goes on to explain how being seen and known creates unity and how important it is for building connections. Tune in next time!  

Welcome back! In this episode, Leah continues with the topic of uniqueness and unity. In the last two episodes, Leah talked about personality and how we're unique in that regard. This week, she talks about other areas that we are unique in and how it's important to understand our differences so we can better accept and understand others. Leah shares how our experiences contribute to make us one of a kind - experience from our entrance into the world until today. Beyond personality and experiences, our values motivate and frame how we see the world around us and our experiences in it. Leah defines values and gives some examples of how they impact us. The least element she discussed was capacity, how much we can comfortably take on. Each of us is uniquely complex. Personality, experiences, values, and capacity represent some but not all of the factors that make us unique individuals. Leah shares how important it is to understand these things about ourselves and each other and experience unity even in our differences. Now that we have this uncommon understanding about ourselves and others, Leah will wrap up this discussion in the next episode and explain what we do with this uncommon understanding. Tune in next time!  

Welcome back! In this episode, Leah is picking up where she left off last time with the topic of unity in our uniqueness.  Last week, she shared the first part of her conference presentation which discusses the question of whether unity means uniformity, and she explains our differences through the lens of a personality model called the DISC model. She explained the first two types, which are more outgoing types, so in this episode, she'll be continuing with how we can be unified in our uniqueness and explain the more reserved types, "S" and "C." She shares how these two types view the world and interact in it, while also sharing how they may struggle and gives some tips for those who are these types as well as some for those who work with these types. She also gives some biblical examples.  Understanding the four DISC types can help us to better understand ourselves and others and how they operate so that we can adjust ourselves and better support those around us.  Leah shares a practical story about how not utilizing her understanding around DISC caused a frustrating experience. She reflects on how implementing and applying her own frameworks around stress management allows her to readjust quickly and regain equilibrium in situations where life feels out of control. If you too are interested in learning about and building frameworks and tools to manage your personal and professional stress, you can check out the Burnout Buster Blueprint on Leah's website, Leah little brown.com and schedule a call with her!  Be sure to tune in next time as Leah wraps up this topic by sharing some practical tips on developing community!  

Welcome back! For this week's episode, we're shifting gears on topics. Leah is going to the Boldly Conference in Dallas, Texas this week, and she's presenting on unity and uniformity, so she wanted to share it with you all here as well!  She will be returning to last week's topic of meaningful connections, but for the next couple episodes, Leah is discussing whether unity means uniformity. She reminds us that we are all created differently and uniquely, so we're not all meant to be uniform. Those differences can be separated into three categories: personality, experience, and values.  One of the tools Leah uses with clients and students is the DISC model of personality, so she shares a simplified explanation of the model, what those types are, and the differences between them. She explains how personality traits vary between people, how that can look, and the different ways people operate in the world based on those traits.  Stay tuned for next week's episode as Leah will be continuing this topic and the rest of her presentation! If you're in the Dallas area, consider coming to the conference! For more information, go to: https://www.boldlyconference.com  

Welcome back! In this episode, Leah introduces us to the topic of meaningful connections and relationships. She explains what meaningful connections are and what that looks like in our relationships. Without meaningful relationships, we can find ourselves depleted and burnt out, so she shares how having mutuality and balance in those connections is important in keeping our flames lit.  Leah further discusses the importance of those relationships and why we need that connection. She continues on to explain what those connections require to be meaningful and how that looks in practicality. Over the next few episodes, we'll continue to explore meaningful connections and how they relate to understanding and knowing what we need to keep our flames burning brightly, so be sure to tune in next time!

Welcome back to another episode! In the last episode, Leah talked about going into a new season and how important it is to reflect and look back as the first step of moving towards our goals.  After looking back and acknowledging how far we've come, we can now look forward and evaluate what our goals are and how to get there. Leah explains the importance of the DISC model and how it informs our process as we move toward our goals and how understanding it can help us lean into our natural behavior and reach those goals as our type is inclined. Leah then explains the acronym, S.M.A.R.T., that is used for goals and how we can apply those to our plans. She also explains how that might look for each DISC type in their goal setting and the process of meeting those goals. We could think of it like a roadtrip, and Leah shares how to view it through that lens and what it might look like for each DISC type. If you need help making and achieving your goals, Leah's Burnout Buster Blueprint will be launching later this month and can support you on your goal setting journey!  Let her know you're a listener, and there will be a special offer for those who do!  

Welcome back! It's a new season for many with the school year starting, but it's also a new season of the podcast! Since it's a new season, Leah invites you to reflect on your growth so far! Many are looking forward, as we should, but it's also important to first look back and reflect on where we've been and how we got here.   Leah shares seven areas of our lives where we can look back and evaluate our growth. And once you recognize it, be sure to celebrate it! She also encourages you to share with her, so she can celebrate with you! You can do so either by email to [email protected] or on her website, leahlittlebrown.com. Leah then explains some important action steps to take with your reflection on your growth.  Now that you've reflected, the next part is looking forward and figuring out where you want to go. Leah shares some keys to evaluating your goals and how to get there.  If you need help moving forward and meeting those goals, she invites and encourages you to check out her Burnout Buster Blueprint that will be released later this month. You can learn more about it on Leah's website and sign up for emails to be the first to know when it's released! Book reference: The Work-Life Balance Myth: Rethingking Your Optimal Balance for Success by David McNeff

Leah is back with an episode to share some of what has been going on in her life and her upcoming work in September!   She shares about her recent life events and things her family has been involved with like her daughter's graduation as well as some changes and progress with her practice. There have also been some less fun personal matters that have consumed a lot of her time as have work related responsibilities. But, instead of letting those completely drain and burn her out, she shares how her own advice and frameworks that she has developed and polished over time have helped to get through all those things which she explains is a fascinating concept called parallel processing.    Leah continues on to share about some of the projects she's working on; one of which is her Burnout Buster Blueprint, coming this September. If you are interested in it and want to be the first to know when it comes out, she encourages you to join her email list. She explains a little bit about what to expect and what it contains.   Also in September, Leah will be back with new podcast episodes, and she shares what she'll be talking about and covering next. In the meantime, she encourages you to go back and listen to the top five episodes!  

In this episode, Leah interviews special guest, Jessica Klassen, who is the founder of Ripple Boxes, which are encouraging Christian gift boxes. Leah and Jessica discuss caring for others and Ripple Boxes, talking about what they are and how they bless others through who they go to, those who send them, the small businesses the items in the boxes come from, and the people who the small businesses help and support.  Jessica shares her story about wanting to make a difference in the world and reminding others of God's love and how the Ripple Boxes came to be from this passion. She also explains her passion for helping those in trafficking and poverty and how the small businesses she works with help people with those struggles.  Leah and Jessica then discuss the progress of the company, the difference it has made, and how it has impacted many lives. Jessica also gives some advice on how to be a light and see people in a more intentional way and build relationships with them.  If you're interested in Ripple Boxes or contacting Jessica, her website and email address are: www.rippleboxes.com [email protected] Jessica is also gifting her Gratitude Journal to listeners and viewers of this podcast. To access it, follow this link: https://www.pages.rippleboxes.com/freebie-9398-7212-4755

What is the DISC model, and what is it used for? In this episode, Leah interviews counselor and certified coach, Michelle Kessler. Leah and Michelle discuss the DISC model of human behavior, explaining what it is and how others use it in professional and personal settings like at work and with family and friends. Michelle shares what each letter stands for and expands on what that looks like and how it shows up in individuals. She also explains how this tool helps with understanding ourselves and others, communicating, and strengthening our connections.  They continue on to talk about how the model assists with our self awareness and our relationships, and the two explain how that might look within the family dynamic in understanding our spouses and children better which can be empowering and lead to stronger relationships. The results of understanding the model in ourselves and others may look like less conflict and stress, more connection and stability, and assistance in navigating relationships. If you are interested in learning more about Michelle and her work, or if you are interested in working with her, her contact information is below.  Michelle Kessler [email protected] Kessler Coaching and Consulting Music credits: Holizna - Poor, but Happy Edited and produced by Beruna Studios -  berunastudios.com  

After spending some time looking at ourselves and our values, priorities, wants, and needs, Leah is shifting the focus to relating to others, relationships, and how all those things we've been looking at in ourselves translate and play out within our relationships.  We are wired for relationships, and there are a few key components to building and maintaining those relationships. Leah discusses the importance of curiosity, believing the best, and gratitude within relationships.  She also explains a frame of looking at our relationships like accounts, not that they're transactional, but so we're mindful of what we put in and receive. She expands on "deposits" and "withdrawals" and what that looks like within our relationships. Over the next few episodes, we will continue to discuss relating to others and how the information from the last several episodes translates into our relationships.

In this episode, Leah moves on to discuss one of the influential aspects of frameworks, which is boundaries. She explains more in detail about what they are, why they're important, and how to create and maintain them.  Boundaries are the limits that keep you and your relationships safe. In life, we have boundaries all around us in different physical forms like fences and walls and even the lines on roads. These examples all keep us safe and show us limits. Interpersonally, boundaries provide safety for us and our relationships. They protect our time, space, and energy and are about us, not the other person. Some may see boundaries as constricting, but they're really a safety mechanism and a basic function. When used correctly, they're not to control others or manipulate them, but to provide safety within our relationships. They also help us know what our responsibilities are and for others to know what theirs are. They are helpful and crucial for healthy relationships. In practice, boundaries may look like not eating certain things because they don't make you feel good, or not drinking alcohol or rules around what you let others borrow of yours.  When creating boundaries, ask yourself what the things are that help to fulfill your wants and needs and that maintain your personal space, time, values, and needs. Having boundaries helps our frameworks and knowing them ahead of time allows us to have those frameworks before we're presented with a question or opportunity. They're also important for being able to fit in those things that are important to us and the things we need to get done. When enforcing boundaries, it's important to use stand-up words like "I won't" so that you can give strong, empowered answers instead of a partial yes or no. It's kind to give a clear answer and to have those boundaries since it helps give the other person clarity on where you stand and what to expect from you.    Music credits: Holizna - Poor, but Happy Edited and produced by Beruna Studios -  berunastudios.com

In this episode, Leah discusses decision making, decision fatigue, and frameworks to lessen the toll of decisions.   In life, there are many opportunities and decisions that arise, and it can help to have "unshakeable unbreakables" or frameworks based on personal rules, values, and priorities. These frameworks can help protect you from decision fatigue, over giving and depleting your energy, and keep you oriented towards the things you want in life.  With some decisions, having personal rules makes the decision for you before you face a question, which can help take the pressure off in the moment. Taking your priorities and values to make a framework can look like personal rules, time blocking, and personal purpose statements. Time blocking helps to balance life and work, allowing for focus on specific commitments in their dedicated time block.  With personal purpose statements or personal constitutions, you can compare opportunities to what your purpose is and see how it aligns with your values and priorities and how they fit into what you want in your life. In Leah's Burnout Buster Blueprint, she works with others to create their personal constitutions. Having your own personal purpose statement or constitution helps take the pressure off when opportunities and decisions arise, protecting you from decision fatigue and pressured yeses. You can compare opportunities to this framework and ask questions like "will this help with what I want in life or will it pull me away from where I want to go" or "does this align with my priorities?"  Having these frameworks already set in place can reduce pressure and decision fatigue while bringing relief, peace, and confidence, allowing for empowered nos and resounding yeses. 

Do you have trouble saying "no"? Do you worry about letting others down or missing out on an opportunity because you say "no"? In this episode, Leah discusses saying "no", why it's important, and how to practice this in your life. When we say yes, we are also saying "no" to other things. Sometimes situations come into our lives that are simple yeses or easy nos, but other times we may struggle with saying "no". Saying "no" is an important muscle that we need to exercise, not only for our own protection, but for others.  Expressing a direct "no" helps us to feel empowered, and it protects our time and energy while also being kind to the other person. We can use stand-up words like "I won't" or "I don't" when we say "no", and we can express our appreciation for the consideration.  Sometimes saying "no" can be difficult if our brains aren't used to it, so practicing with ourselves or friends can help rewire our pathways and make saying "no" easier when the time comes.  Learning how to say "no" and exercising this muscle is important since it protects and empowers us while showing kindness to those on the other end.  

In this episode, Leah reviews some of the things we've learned about finding and setting our priorities. When we don't know what we should be aiming at, life can often feel like a game of Chutes and Ladders. You work so hard only to find yourself sliding back to where you were ten moves ago. That's why it's important that when we set our priorities, we are setting them with a clear understanding of our values and our roles. It's also important that we are intentional about how we set our priorities and spend our time. If we don't establish priorities (and boundaries) we will often find that we are ruled by the demands of the day, and not the other way around. We can also find ourselves acting upon other people's priorities to the neglect of our own. Now is a good time to figure out what your priorities are. Set aside a little time with a pencil and paper, follow with Leah as she guides you through the process, and refer back to other episodes as needed.

Life is chaotic. You've got a million things all demanding your attention and you feel like the things you really want or need to get done just never get done. You thought you would have time for them later, but that time has mysteriously disappeared. Where did it go? It may be time for you to do a time audit. In this episode Leah walks us through the process of time auditing: tracking your time so you can find out how you are actually spending it. She discusses some of the reasons you may want or need to do one yourself. As it turns out, we tend to give ourselves more time for things that don't matter than we should, or more time for things that do matter than we really need. One of the side benefits of time auditing is that it can reveal other things that affect our effectiveness, like our energy. When am I most energetic at my best? When am I feeling drained? When is the best time for me to do mental work? Leah suggests that once we've tracked our time we can begin working to budget for the really important things, and let everything else squeeze in where they can.

Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your DISC Assessment results! Edited and produced by Beruna Studios -  berunastudios.com

Have you ever felt stuck, not because you couldn't move, but because you didn't feel you could stop long enough to take a breath? Have you ever wondered how some people seem to know exactly where they need to direct their attention. Priorities are tied to our values and our situations. Our values can inform us on which decisions will help us succeed, when all else is equal. But sometimes we encounter unexpected cicumstances that can create a complete shift in priorities overnight (for example, an serious injury or a promotion). Having a system for dealing with incoming tasks and changes in circumstance can help us keep thriving, and prevent things from getting out of control. In this episode, Leah gives an overview of the four quadrants in First Things First, by Stephen Covey and Roger and Rebecca Merrill. She explains how we can begin to prioritize our work, and why we absolutely must. For those of us who feel like slaves to the urgent, knowing what is important, what is not, and giving attention to the tasks that will bear the most fruit in the long haul is key to not only reducing our overall stress, but helping us gain traction in our lives by helping us work on what really matters.

April 2, 2024 Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright Ep. 24: Knowing what comes first: Priorities Overview   When you have a lot to do it can be difficult to know what to do first. That is where priorities come in. In this episode, Leah offers an overview on priorities. They help you to make sure you are doing the right thing the right way - really the best thing in the optimal way.    Knowing our own priorities is important. If we do not prioritize our lives, we run the risk of the important things falling through the cracks and being super busy without getting accomplished what we truly need to do. None of us can do everything, so knowing our priorities can help us determine what is truly important and what is busy work that robs us of our time and energy. Download your Values List here!    Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your DISC Assessment results!   Edited and produced by Beruna Studios -  berunastudios.com  

March 25, 2024 Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright Ep. 23: Capacity: Knowing your limits   You know that feeling you get when you have more on your plate than you can comfortably handle? Or maybe you feel completely overwhelmed and you're just in survival mode. These are signs you may have extended yourself past your capacity.   Your capacity is the limit of what you are able to contain, or what you are able to produce. It is unique to each person and situation and is linked to our energy and our motivation. When other aspects of our lives (for example, our values) are in proper alignment, we find ourselves more motivated, with more energy, and therefore with a higher capacity for work and enjoyment. The reverse is also true. If you are making decisions that are not aligned with your personal values, you can find yourself feeling low on motivation and energy, and therefore with less capacity.   Knowing our own capacity is important. If we don't know our own limits, we risk overcommitting and burning out, or undercommitting and never really knowing our full potential. None of us can do everything, so knowing our capacity can inform us on when to say yes (and no) and how to manage our valuable time, energy, and resources.   Download your Values List here!    Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your DISC Assessment results!   Ad music credits: Holizna - Poor, but Happy Edited and produced by Beruna Studios -  berunastudios.com

March 19, 2024 Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright Ep. 22: Personal Values: Motivation and Setting Better Goals.   How do I choose a career field? Who should I pick as a coworker for a project? How do I find motivation to pursue new goals? What should I do (or not do) next? Why do I sometimes feel conflicted when I try to get work done? All of these questions touch on our personal values.   Personal values are the standards by which we measure our own success. They are how we judge what is important and what is trivial. Everyone has them, and in the last episode Leah discussed some of the ways our personal values are formed. In this episode, Leah gives some examples of values and explains how they can affect our decision making.   While values might restrict our effectiveness in some areas (for example, someone who values excellence may have a hard time actually finishing a project or publishing their work), they can also be tools for motivation and evaluation. Perhaps you'd like to exercise more. If you value nature and solitude, it may be much easier to commit to a weekly hike than a crossfit class. On the other hand, if you value social connection and fun, then a class or group sport may be right up your alley.   When we live out of line with our personal values, we may end up feeling stuck, apathetic, or unsatisfied with our work and life situations. If this is where you find yourself, take a minute to reflect on your own values by clicking the link below, and ask yourself: am I making decisions that correspond to my values?   Download your Values List here!    Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your DISC Assessment results!   Music credits: Holizna - Poor, but Happy Edited and produced by Beruna Studios -  berunastudios.com  

March 12, 2024 Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright Ep. 21: Personal Values: What are they and where do they come from? Where do our personal values come from? How do they help us understand ourselves and others? What are personal values? How are they connected to our experiences? In this episode Leah will discuss some of the factors that help (or hurt) the formation of our values, including communities, generational differences, and even our historical moment. This can have a major impact on how we evaluate stories from other cultures and times, and even how we see our own story. Not all values are received equally. Some we absorb and internalize completely. Others we hold only loosely, as guidelines. Still others may be rejected outright, or over time as we learn and grow and change. Some may be a reaction toward the values of others (for example, a person who grew up in a cluttered home might embrace minimalism). When we understand our own values, we can learn to live in line with them and have a greater sense of purpose, peace, and fulfillment. We can also better understand our own motivations and ensure we are spending our time doing the things we actually want to do.   Download your Values List here!    Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com     Music credits: Holizna - Poor, but Happy Edited and produced by Beruna Studios -  berunastudios.com  

Every person's uniqueness is shaped by their personality, their experiences, and their values. Over the past few weeks, Leah has explored different personalities in depth. Now we take a look at experiences, and how they can potentially impact each of us.   Each of us has a library of experiences as unique to them as a thumbprint. The dynamics of their family, their ethnicity, the regional cultures they grew up in and encountered, their education, their relationships, and their successes and failures are just a few examples of factors that can have a major impact in the shaping of a person.    Leah also explains that when we consider our experiences, we also need to consider our responses as a part of that experience. For example, identical twins who do not have the same level of strength because of how they have chosen to engage in athletic activities. Even though they have identical DNA, their experiences have been different because their responses have been different.   What experiences have you had that have shaped who you are and how you interact with the world around you?   Take your DISC assessment here! Download your Values List here!  Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your DISC Assessment results!   Music credits: Holizna - Poor, but Happy  

Personal development involves a commitment to strengthening areas where we may be lacking. And, for many of us that's a struggle with conflict. In today's episode Leah explores how the DISC assessment plays a crucial role in navigating conflicts and fostering personal development.    The DISC assessment provides valuable insights into our communication styles, decision-making processes, and behavioral tendencies. Conflicts are inevitable in human relationships, and they can either create a rift or serve as catalysts for personal and relational growth. Leah reminds listeners on how essential it is to hit pause and reflect on the personalities involved. What is the personality type of the person you're in conflict with?    In rounding out this series on the deep dive into the DISC Assessment, it's crucial to emphasize the transformative power of self-awareness and understanding others. The DISC Assessment stands out as a valuable tool for understanding personality dynamics. By using this framework during moments of conflict, individuals can transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth and relationship development. Take the Disc Assessment  Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your Disc Assessment Results  

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, Leah embarked on a journey to explore the intricacies of personality types through the DISC assessment. It's essential to recognize that each of us embodies aspects of all four personality types to varying degrees. In today's episode, Leah is eager to shed light on the significance of understanding these traits in both professional and personal realms.   Exploring our personality types provides valuable insights into our strengths and areas for growth. Recognizing and accepting our tendencies allows us to adapt our behaviors to work more effectively in various situations. Leah encourages listeners to bring this understanding of personality traits into the workplace. Acknowledging and respecting diverse personalities is crucial for fostering a positive and productive environment. By recognizing each team member's strengths, we can allocate tasks accordingly.   Similar principles apply to family dynamics. Understanding the unique personality types within a family can lead to more effective communication and conflict resolution. As we grow in our understanding of ourselves and others, the ability to adapt and negotiate becomes a valuable skill. In both work and personal settings, individuals can negotiate responsibilities based on their strengths, leading to a more efficient and satisfying outcome.   As we evolve in our self-awareness and understanding of others, the ability to adapt and negotiate becomes a valuable skill. We can navigate the complexities of our personal and professional lives with adaptability, compassion, and a keen appreciation for the diverse strengths that each individual brings to the table.   Take the Disc Assessment  Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your Disc Assessment Results  

Positioned as the fourth personality in the DISC assessment, the C personality stands out for its remarkable competence and inherent leaning towards caution. In today's episode, Leah uncovers the various layers woven inside the C personality that enhance our understanding of others and lays a foundation for personal development and fostering relationships.   The C personality is characterized by competence and caution. Individuals with this personality type possess a deep-seated desire to comprehend the underlying reasons for their actions. Unlike some other personalities, they are not content with just the "what" and "how" – the "why" is equally crucial to them.   The C personality is often associated with a more serious demeanor. Their focus on detail and precision can create an air of intensity as they navigate through tasks with meticulous care. This seriousness, however, is an indication of their commitment to excellence.   The beauty of recognizing and understanding the various personality types, including the "C" personality, lies in its ability to foster effective communication and collaboration. By acknowledging the competence and caution that define the C personality, you can tailor your approach to encourage, support, and show appreciation to individuals with this trait.   Utilizing the DISC assessment doesn't just stop at gaining insights into individual personalities – it extends to understanding the dynamics within teams and families. Recognizing the diversity of personalities within a group allows for a more harmonious environment, where each person''s strengths and preferences are valued. Take the Disc Assessment Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your Disc Assessment Results  

The S personality stands as a pillar of support and compassion, quietly enriching the lives of those around them. Characterized by their reserved yet people-oriented nature, individuals with an S personality blend bring a unique set of qualities to the table. In today's episode Leah brings listeners into the  essence of the S personality and explores how their innate traits shape their interactions and contributions to the world. Whether you're an S personality or know someone who is an S, knowing the heart of an S allows you to understand their deep sense of empathy and concern for others. They are the listeners, the caregivers, and the ones who offer unwavering support in times of need. Their quiet strength and reliability make them the backbone of families, friendships, and communities. While the nurturing nature of S personalities is admirable, it also presents challenges. These individuals may struggle to assert their own needs and boundaries, often putting the well-being of others ahead of their own. To thrive, individuals with an S personality blend can benefit from learning to prioritize self-care and assertiveness.  Leah guides listeners through the S personality and how they embody the essence of support, compassion, and empathy. Their quiet strength and selfless nature enrich the lives of everyone they touch. By understanding and appreciating the unique qualities of the S personality, we can foster deeper connections, build stronger communities, and create a more compassionate world.    Take the Disc Assessment  Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your Disc Assessment Results  

The DISC model serves as a valuable framework for understanding and categorizing personality types and over the past few weeks Leah has been unpacking the various personality traits. Each letter in the DISC acronym represents a distinct behavioral style, and today, Leah's focus is on the I – the inspiring, impulsive individual who makes up only about 1% of the population. At the heart of the I personality type is a vibrant and extroverted individual who thrives on being the center of attention. These are the people who bring life to the party, radiating energy and enthusiasm wherever they go. Their love for life and having fun make them magnetic personalities.  However, like any personality type, the I comes with its set of challenges. Undisciplined by nature, they may struggle with maintaining order and organization in their lives. Their impulsive nature can lead to difficulties in keeping a structured schedule and managing time effectively. Leah gives listeners valuable insight on recognizing their natural ability to inspire and bring positivity into a team is valuable, but it's equally important to support them in areas where they may struggle. Whether you are an "I" or collaborate with one, understanding and appreciating these traits can lead to more fulfilling relationships.   Take the Disc Assessment  Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your Disc Assessment Results  

The DISC assessment serves as a powerful tool for understanding and navigating the intricacies of human behavior. One of the distinctive personalities that emerge from this assessment is the D personality, a dynamic and influential group that constitutes 1.2% of the population.   The fascinating reality is that many people are not purely one personality type but rather a blend. Join Leah in today's episode as she explores the complexities of personality types in the DISC assessment.  She focuses on unraveling the unique characteristics of the D personality.    The D personality is characterized by a drive to achieve goals and a relentless desire to see tasks through to completion. Leadership is not merely a role for the D personality, it's an important part of their identity. With a natural inclination to lead and be in charge, individuals with a dominant D personality exhibit an ability to overcome obstacles and see the bigger picture.    Leah emphasizes that her exploration isn't merely a journey of self-discovery for those identifying with the D personality. It's also a valuable resource for listeners interacting with individuals possessing this personality type. By understanding the motivations, strengths, and inclinations of the D personality Leah empowers listeners with insights for more effective communication and collaboration.   Take the Disc Assessment  Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your Disc Assessment Results  

Personality traits play a pivotal role in shaping the way we navigate the world. It's essential to recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all for personality traits – each individual is unique, and there's no right or wrong trait. In today's episode, Leah takes listeners through the intriguing world of personality traits, exploring the DISC model of human behavior as a tool to understand our tendencies and preferences. The spectrum of personality traits is vast and varied. Each trait contributes to the intricacy of human personalities, from extroversion to introversion, from being task-oriented to people-oriented. The DISC assessment is a valuable tool for uncovering different personality traits and behavioral tendencies. It categorizes individuals into four primary personality types. One prominent aspect of personality is the spectrum between being outgoing and reserved. Some individuals thrive in social settings, energized by interactions, while others find solace in quieter, more reflective moments. The balance between being task-oriented and people-oriented is another dimension of personality.  Some individuals are driven by achieving goals and completing tasks, while others prioritize building and maintaining relationships. Both orientations contribute significantly to personal and collective success. Understanding and appreciating personality traits is critical to building healthy relationships and thriving communities. Whether you're outgoing or reserved, pedal to the metal or take it slow, task-oriented, or people-oriented, each trait has its strengths and contributes to the beautiful diversity of human interaction. Embrace the uniqueness within yourself and others. Take the Disc Assessment  Contact Leah at leahlittlebrown.com for a special offer on your Disc Assessment Results  

A few weeks back, Leah delved into a question about rest—how much is too much? The topic sparked curiosity, leading to an insightful conversation with expert Amber Curtis on today's episode. Together, they unraveled the intricate dynamics of rest, relaxation, and the art of calming our minds for optimal productivity. Amber Curtis, a source of insight into the world of rest and stress management, graciously shared her wisdom during her conversation with Leah.  The discussion began by addressing what it looks like when one gets too much rest. Amber highlighted the fact that caregivers ' brains seldom shut down entirely. In fact, women's brains are only about 10% asleep during rest, remaining functioning and alert. This insight is a reminder that sleep deprivation is a genuine concern with both short and long-term effects. Amber shared essential tips for recognizing when we need to rest. Consistency in sleep schedules, she noted, is crucial. Establishing and maintaining a routine helps quiet the mind, a challenge many face. The conversation expanded to explore the role of caffeine and unhealthy habits in disrupting restful patterns, urging listeners to be mindful of the routines they create. Navigating the delicate balance between rest and productivity requires self-awareness, a willingness to observe, and, most importantly, the acknowledgment that it's okay not to be at our peak at all times.  Meet Amber: Amber Curtis, PhD (founder, Solutions for Simplicity) helps overwhelmed women make more time for who and what they love. A professor by day, productivity coach by night, and devoted mom of four busy boys throughout, Amber knows all too well how challenging it is to juggle all the things. After becoming suicidal from the stress of keeping up with her demanding job while raising young kids, she applied her academic research skills to figure out what's scientifically shown to help you do more, stress less, and BE happier. She shares all her insights in hopes that others never feel as hopeless as she once did. Connect with Amber: Website: https://solutionsforsimplicity.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solutionsforsimplicity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/solutionsforsimplicity Sign up to learn more about Amber's Harness Your Energy program here: https://bit.ly/hye-waitlist Take her FREE life assessment to get recommendations tailored to exactly to their personal situation and needs! https://bit.ly/do-you-need-to-simplify Feel free to visit my website: https://www.leahlittlebrown.com, to learn more about my counseling and coaching services, as well as how I can support you in your journey to emotional peace and mental clarity.  

The journey toward becoming a better people helper or caregiver begins with introspection and self-awareness. By prioritizing our own needs, acknowledging our uniqueness, understanding our capacity, and aligning with our values, we can foster consistency and create a flourishing environment for both ourselves and those we care for.   In today's episode, Leah emphasizes the importance of understanding yourself better and recognizing and prioritizing your own needs. By understanding your emotional, physical, and mental well-being, you can establish a solid foundation for offering support to others.   Self-understanding is the compass that guides us through the intricate terrain of human emotions and needs. By prioritizing our needs, embracing our uniqueness, understanding our capacity, aligning with our values, and maintaining consistency, we become not only better caregivers but also compassionate people helpers.   So, take the time to delve into self-reflection, embrace your uniqueness, and nurture the flame within. As you grow in self-awareness, you'll find your capacity to support and care for others growing exponentially.   Take Your Disc Assessment Here Feel free to visit my website: https://www.leahlittlebrown.com, to learn more about my counseling and coaching services, as well as how I can support you in your journey to emotional peace and mental clarity.