Returning to Me

I am embracing this summer as a chance and a reminder to slow down and really be awake to what is around me. Remember when we were young and summer used to last forever? It is not the way anymore. Today I share a story from years ago that still impacts me today as a reminder to slow down and notice the gifts all around us. This message never gets old for me. I hope you enjoy it too. Do you have a similar story of your own? I urge you to spend a few minutes today remembering what simple summer pleasures are your favourite? Thank you for listening and supporting my podcast. Your feedback when you review and share means so much to me and is the fuel that makes me want to keep showing up! Thank you, thank you!

Jen and I dive in for part 2 for a conversation on topics we are deeply passionate about. We discuss mental health and our own individual experiences with psychedelics - the importance of set and setting and the integration process and challenges that can come with psychedelics and cannabis. We talk about lessons learned and the importance of having a guide to help navigate the complexities of life, ego, and our shadow. The conversation moves into religion and spirituality and where both of our journeys have taken us. Jen shares details about her Ayahuasca journey on a great episode of the Let’s Not Sugarcoat It Podcast - listen here. Other resources mentioned in this episode are: The Shack (book and movie) by William Young One Day My Soul Just Opened Up - book by Iyanla Vanzant I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child - book by Kristina Kuzmič Whenever possible, please find these books at your local bookstore. Find out more about Jen Bishop and Joyful Healing at: IG Website I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Thank you for listening.

I have had the pleasure of watching Jen Bishop work with my daughter and I have enjoyed her teachings as a Homeopath on becoming more aware of our energy and what our symptoms are trying to tell us. In this episode, we talk about having sensitive children and how that can sometimes mean struggles in school and manifesting symptoms that have deeper messages for us. Jen co-authored the book Rainbow of Awareness with her friend and teacher Eve Delisi, which is subtitled: A Guide to Social and Emotional Learning & Awareness in the Classroom. In discussing the joy of dancing and music, Jen mentions Femme Fatale Dance which has brought huge joy and community to a passion Jen has had for years.  Make sure to listen to part 2 next week with Jen Bishop as we explore healing, mental health and psychedelics. Learn more about Jen and the services she offers through Joyful Healing at: IG Website

As a visual storyteller, one of the ways Kristen helps entrepreneurs capture their essence is behind the lens of her camera. Kristen’s business, Storycatcher Photography, helps you create the visual story behind your brand. We talk about what creating a “brand” is all about and why it is important. We also discuss Kristen’s more recent adventure of coming out from behind the camera to be vulnerable and share her own story and process of reconnecting to who she is at this point in her life. Kristen mentions the power of dance and the joy she experiences while dancing. She talks about returning to dance @borealislatindance in Kelowna BC for salsa and bachata; as well as @kelownasbk for salsa, bachata and kizomba. Current favourite books mentioned are the Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas, Accepting What Is by Byron Katie and The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida We have a great conversation around growth and how that can feel uncomfortable at times, but the gifts within the growth make it all worthwhile. Make sure to check out Kristen and Storycatcher Photography at: IG: @storycatcher_photography Website: www.storycatcherphotography.ca

Do you ever feel the flare up of a trigger where we notice that we are activated by something (in a negative way) but we aren't sure why? I sure do. All the time. Today I share with you why I think it is so important to pause and reflect on the trigger when it arises so that we can learn something new and move ahead with more self awareness. I read a passage from Teal Swan's book The Completion Process which really helped me understand triggers better, and the gifts within them to shine a light on a part of ourselves that we now have the opportunity to heal. Thank you for spending your time here with me, and if you would like to ask a question or learn more about working with me, go to my website or send me a DM on: IG FB Keep going - the world needs YOU!

There is a reason we cannot see the whole stairway in front of us. We only need to take the one next step. If we saw the whole staircase, we could easily become overwhelmed, confused, frozen at the immensity of it all. Today I share a tip that was shared with my when I was navigating the loss of my Dad. I could not imagine a life without him in it. My friend shared a tip, and I am sharing a tip with you here today. One breath at a time is sometimes all that we can manage. Because having a longer vision of the future can feel crushing and overwhelming at times. Breaking it down to the smallest, tiniest steps is how we walk ourselves through tough times, with intention and awareness of direction. I hope this technique brings you strength in your darkest hour. Just one step at a time, my friend. One breath at a time. If you are navigating a difficult time right now, know that you are not alone, and never have been. That is because you have been there for yourself through every difficult moment of your life and you have survived ALL of it. That is gold. Keep going. One step, one breath at a time. Thank you for listening and reach out if you have questions or would like to book a discovery call to discuss working together.

If you can relate to looking in the mirror and not knowing the person staring back at you then this is the episode for you. Self-care is personal, it is unique to each individual and there is no one size fits all. It also requires us to get comfortable in the uncomfortable. To begin undoing patterns that others have valued and appreciated in us. BUT, being a people-pleaser is problematic. It builds resentment and toxicity inside our cells. It is making us sick, and it has to stop. It is time to shut out the noise, get honest with ourselves, and put in the time to discover how to show up for ourselves first and how to find our personal alignment. Then we can serve and show up in the world in a much more impactful way. Cheryl Richardson’s The Art of Extreme Self-Care - 12 Practical and Inspiring Ways to Love Yourself More is the book I am referencing in this episode. Are you ready? I am. Let’s get started. If you would like to discuss how to move ahead with this work, book a discovery call here.

Getting to know ourselves at a deeper level is a lifelong process. Alina Ramazanova brings her multitude of skills together to offer Astrology sessions (online and in person) so that we can get to know ourselves, our patterns, our goals and dreams at an even deeper level. She specifically works with entrepreneurs to help remove blocks and go after your dreams and goals. We talk about the session that I recently had with Alina and how it illuminated a few areas of my life where I can now move forward with more intention and experimentation. It brings a powerful understanding and a framework we can return to again and again, revealing new layers of growth. Alina helps me to understand how to tap in to my Venus energy and become more aware of creating separation between work and home energy and life. Alina's partner Kris has created a beautiful full-length documentary available here which helps us better understand mental health challenges in ourselves, and in the people we love and care for. Please watch it and share the message so that we can continue to remove the stigma around mental health. Connect and follow Alina Ramazanova on: IG Thank you for listening and please share this podcast and the documentary with anyone who would benefit from it. Thank you for your support!

There are inevitably times in life where we will feel like we are stuck in mud. This can feel dark, heavy, confusing. Once again, we can look to nature to see the beauty that can emerge from being in the mud, as long as we keep going and remember that the lotus flower emerges from mud. So if you are struggling, or feel hopeless, remember that we are meant to keep going through the mud, and continue to the place where the lotus flower will begin to open up, one petal at a time. Quote from Thich Nhat Hanh Excerpt read from Goldie Hawn's book: A Lotus Grows in the Mud Thank you for being here!

It has been a rough few weeks. For various reasons. Who ever said life would be easy? I often have to walk myself back to personal alignment, quite often actually. But having gone through the process of knowing what alignment feels like, I now have a flashlight that helps light up the path to "return to me" over and over again. Thus the name of this podcast. I share the tools that are meaningful and powerful for me. I love helping others on their discovery of personal alignment. It has been a lifesaver for me and I am passionate about sharing it. Have a listen and see if this resonates for you. I appreciate you showing up here and love that we get to do this work together. If you are curious about doing this type of work together, book a free discovery call and let's talk about it. Or send me a DM on IG.

As someone who gained validation from helping others, I have done a whole bunch of work around people-pleasing. I also do this work with my clients as a coach. No matter how much work we have done, many of us have a long way to go. People-pleasing is making us sick. This is worthy of our attention. Today I share the latest example of how I noticed it coming up for me again, and the advice I love from Dr. Brene Brown in terms of how we begin to honour our own needs before someone else's. Enjoy the episode and share with someone you think it might help. Thanks for listening!

Katie shares her passion for mental health in her family, as well as her desire to share the tools she uses in an expanded way in the medical system. As a nurse, Katie has seen how yoga, breathwork and meditation can be used to benefit health care workers. Through mental and physical challenges, Katie has intentionally chosen to break open rather than to break down. As someone who suffers from chronic pain, Katie has been forced to find tools, and make intentional choices to find joy and moments of growth, even in the midst of intense pain. In her podcast “Mom on the Verge” she holds beautiful conversations with women on the verge of all kinds of things - and discussions around the growth required to move through these seasons of our lives. “It all comes back to yoga” for Katie and she credits yoga for helping her learn how to surrender and expand through challenging times. That is where she has experienced her richest growth. The book I mention during the podcast is Brain Energy by Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard Psychiatrist. Highly recommend his work on how food and toxins can affect our mental health and his recommendations for helping people when traditional treatments have not worked. Connect with Katie and her work at: IG Website (coming soon) FB Email: [email protected] Sign up for Katie's Newsletter

This story is near and dear to my heart. I will never forget the moment of wonder when the events unfolded in front of me. It serves as a reminder how easy it would be to rush by, or completely miss something around us that has the potential to make us feel connected and inspired. I wish you moments of everyday magic, and hope that we all slow down enough to take them in. It also serves as a reminder to never take for granted the impact that we make on the world around us.  If you are enjoying this podcast, I would so appreciate if you would like, follow and leave a review. This is immensely helpful in growing the podcast. Thank you!

Building on last week’s episode, I want to walk you through the Align Tools which is a framework that I use to find and return to my personal alignment. Do I get knocked out of alignment? Of course. All the time. The difference is that I now have a framework that helps me figure out how to get back to feeling grounded, centred and calm. Let’s be honest, life can be hectic and even painful at times if you are doing the work. It has been life changing for me to explore these tools and help others in their exploration of them as well. I invite you to do the same. We hear so much about self-care, many of us don’t know where to start. Start here.  Need some support and guidance? Let’s talk. To book a free discovery call, click here. There is no time to waste. Let’s get started - you will be so glad that you did. Website

Women are so good at taking care of others, but we often sacrifice caring for ourselves.  It is imperative that we begin showing up for ourselves first. Not all of us know how to do that. It is a process. But finding your personal alignment will be transformative in how you move forward in your life.Let’s not wait for health issues before we pay attention to our own needs. It is time. Are you ready to take the first step? To book a free discovery call, click here IG LinkedIn

Jaime brings a wide array of skills to her work as a Functional Hormone Specialist. She is a Registered Nurse working in Hospice and Psychiatry. Clearly her mission is to serve and share her knowledge with the world. We have a great conversation around death and dying - and how to have it be a more positive and meaningful experience, both for the person at the end of their life, and for all of the people who love them. Jaime is also passionate about helping women to better understand their hormones and looks holistically at each person to discover the root cause of the issues they are experiencing. And let’s be honest - hormones control ALOT.  Once we become more educated, we can begin to plan our month with more intention and understanding where we will be at in our cycle, regardless of whether we still have a period. We can then share this information with our daughters and friends so that we can can stop trying to fit into a world that was designed for men. As women, our hormones are different and worthy of study so that we can do everything from a place of greater understanding and compassion. Follow and reach out to Jaime Hawryluk at: Email: [email protected] Website IG

Alex shares so generously how she has been on a journey to live without alcohol for the last few months. She is openly documenting her progress and you can follow her at: @ontheothersideofthebottle A few years back, Alex went through a terrifying scare battling H1N1 and almost lost her life several times. You HAVE to hear this story to believe it. Her healing continues and these days she is dealing with it head on without numbing out, but being present for wherever she is in her life. She has found joy in unexpected places, sometimes right in front of her, and sometimes in the icy cold plunge she takes in Lake Okanagan in winter time with @colddipkelowna Tune in to hear Alex and her co-host Izabela on the Let’s Not Sugarcoat It Podcast for the real deal conversations around motherhood and all it entails.  IG 

Dana is passionate about helping people fall madly in love with their life. She explains how she has gone through many changes in her life and all that she has learned.  As a Master Mindset Coach for High Achievers, Dana weaves Ayurveda, neuroscience, mindset and more to empower people to make positive changes towards balance in their lives. Dana breaks down what is happening when we feel an “urge” and we are trying to change a habit. She has tools to make that transition without having to use willpower, which is so often unsuccessful.  Enjoy this episode and the practical tips that Dana shares for making impactful changes in our habits to live a healthier life. You can find and follow Dana Skoglund at: Website IG FB

Kavita started out in a Finance career that took her down a road to burnout. It became imperative that she slowed down and focussed on her healing. This is where she found the power of essential oils in healing our systems. K Sahai was born out of this journey and Kavita offers luxury wellness and beauty solutions that are natural, sustainable and embedded with impact. As women we control much of the purchasing power in our homes. We can make decisions intentionally that will be good for our health, will change policy, and will have a positive impact in the world. We also discuss Human Design and how we should not discount the power of random conversations, because they might just change our life. Check out the Skin Quiz and Soul Quiz and follow Kavita at: K Sahai website IG LinkedIn Listen to Ep. 10 From Burnout to Entrepreneurship wherever you get your podcasts.

Since 70% of women wind up alone at some point in our lives, Danica is passionate about helping women feel empowered when it comes to finances. No need to understand it all, that is what the expert is for. Danica breaks it down into 4 Easy Steps to Start Growing Your Money Now. Danica talks about her "Power Mornings" that set her up for a successful day and feeling aligned with her values to prevent burnout. As President of Kelowna Women in Business, Danica is passionate about connecting women with mentors, and continuing her work on leadership and DE and I. Make an appointment to meet with Danica to get YOUR finances in order and move forward empowered. Benewealth website KWIB website Email Danica: [email protected] Listen to Ep. 9 Feeling Empowered with Finances and KWIB wherever you get your podcasts.

Pam Rader helps people "walk themselves home to themselves". As a seeker, she shares her experiences and helps others navigate the complexity of trauma and addiction. As a seeker, Pam helps people find a place of true surrender in their lives. As she has also had to do. Pam's book "Through the Cracks" is a roller coaster story and honest telling of Pam's story. I am reading it now and it is hard to put down! We have a beautiful conversation around the dance between effort and surrender, as well as the lessons Pam learned through the writing and telling of her story. Be sure to check out Pam Rader and her resources Lit From Within, and Loving Your Addict. Details can be found at: Pam Rader's website Shift Labs IG Listen to Ep. 8 Lessons learned through Yoga, Addiction and Healing wherever you get your podcasts.

This conversation warmed my heart and feels magical in so many ways. Melissa is a gifted storyteller and we connect deeply around a love of dance and music (among other things). Melissa shares how some of her darkest times resulted in finding unexpected gifts like the time she took her children out of school and decided to travel which had been a long time dream. Melissa is no stranger to grief and death. Her guidance on how to navigate these times is very powerful and I know it will offer comfort to anyone experiencing darkness. Melissa is a light in what can feel like dark times for many. Do not miss this episode and make sure to listen to more of Melissa on her podcast What's Your Story? Listen to Ep. 7 Dance as Therapy and How to Walk Through Grief and Darkness wherever you get your podcasts.

Carien Wessels-Rennie moved to Kelowna from South Africa in 2019. She is a beautiful connector as you will hear, and she talks with us about some of the fires she has had to walk through in her life. We talk about the process of getting to know yourself all over again at different times in our lives. Carien is very clear that gratitude and prayer are pivotal in her life and the way she moves through it.  Carien breaks down the art of sales, and how she has never sold anything in her life. She connects with people and makes sure she is right with herself, so that she operates from flow and ease. That’s how you know you have it right. It is beautiful to hear the appreciation and gratitude that Carien has as a Canadian citizen and she does not take that for granted. Carien is a dear friend and a bright light in the world. Do not miss this episode and make sure to follow along with @carien1777  Listen to Ep. 6 Healing, Gratitude and Getting to Know Yourself Again wherever you get your podcasts.

Bonita's main purpose is to help people listen to themselves, so that they will need her less and less. Once we strengthen our muscle of trusting our intuition, we can act on it and move forward wasting less time and energy. We discuss manifestation and how it is best to keep it general in case the Universe has something even better in mind for us. And we are responsible for shifting any internal patterns in order for that reality to happen. Bonita reminds us that if we don't say no when we get a "no" from our intuition, our body may say "no" for us. She also has some thoughts on how we can help our children take steps and make choices that will empower them. We finish with Bonita doing a 7 card read for me which is always fascinating. If you would like to learn more about Bonita or learn ways to work with her, go to: Website IG FB Group Youtube If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and don't forget to follow Laura ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. We would also be thrilled if you shared this episode with a friend or posted on social media and tagged both of us - we appreciate your support!

Jill walks us through how being introduced to the NAAM community during the pandemic, had her fall in love with the practices and the community. She explains how the 'feel good' hormones are released during practice and this is something that is available to us all. As a therapist, Jill touches on the golden rule to only give to people who are ready to receive. And the power of the inhale/exhale to activate the para-sympathetic nervous system. Jill shares her experiences with shamanic journeys and dreamwork and tells us a little about how that world beyond what we see in our waking hours is available to us. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Find more about Jill and her work at: LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and don't forget to follow Laura ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. We would also be thrilled if you shared this episode with a friend or posted on social media and tagged both of us - we appreciate your support!

Nicole shares her lessons learned during a very successful career in media for two decades as a morning show host and a news anchor. She paid attention to her 'pull for change' and and insatiable curiosity and now runs Dubé Media to help others master their message and make it a memorable one. An invitation to a meditation challenge from a friend was a pivotal change for Nicole and started her inward journey of exploration and allowed her to get off of the output wheel at just the right time. Check out Nicole's services and offerings at: Website IG If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and don't forget to follow Laura ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. We would also be thrilled if you shared this episode with a friend or posted on social media and tagged both of us - we appreciate your support!

Liliane is a powerful facilitator of gatherings for women at all phases and ages of life. In this episode, she tells us how she creates space for women to use their voices and support one another. This results in "collective healing" which ripples out into our worlds and is vitally important work for us to do. Enjoy this conversation! Find out more about Liliane and her amazing events and services at: Website Email: [email protected] IG FB If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and don't forget to follow Laura ⁠here⁠. We would also be thrilled if you shared this episode with a friend or posted on social media and tagged both of us - we appreciate your support!

As a Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition Coach, Dawn Thalheimer hears women say all the time that they are overwhelmed by all of the noise around the latest diet craze or "one size fits all" approach to nutrition and exercise. That's why meeting with Dawn 1:1 is a game changer so that she can tailor a program to fit you! With the ultimate goal that you never need to come back again. You will have tools that become part of your lifestyle and you can get busy living your best life. Dawn lives in Kelowna, BC with her husband and 5 kids. Her business is called Blacktop Fitness & Nutrition Coaching. You can find her at: Website IG And don't forget to download your free guide here. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and don't forget to follow Laura here. We would also be thrilled if you shared this episode with a friend or posted on social media and tagged both of us - we appreciate your support!